Brazilian DJ and music star Pedro Sampaio is getting one of the biggest international stages of his career as he joins Ricky Martin for the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens NFL game in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The Week 3 matchup is being played at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, and the halftime entertainment will combine one of Latin music’s most recognizable stars with one of Brazil’s biggest contemporary artists.
For NFL fans in the United States who may be hearing Sampaio’s name for the first time, here is everything to know about the Brazilian DJ.
Who Is Pedro Sampaio?
Pedro Sampaio is a Brazilian DJ, singer, songwriter and music producer known for combining Brazilian funk with pop and electronic dance music.
His full name is Pedro do Espírito Santo Sampaio, and he was born on December 21, 1997, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sampaio initially attracted attention through DJ performances and remixes before developing into one of Brazil’s most recognizable mainstream recording artists.
His connection to Rio makes his appearance at the NFL’s Maracanã halftime show particularly significant. Sampaio grew up in the city and will now perform inside one of Brazil’s most famous sporting venues.
What Songs Is Pedro Sampaio Known For?
Sampaio has produced several major Brazilian hits during his rise to prominence.
Some of Pedro Sampaio’s best-known songs include:
- DANÇARINA
- POCPOC
- Sentadão
- ESCADA DO PRÉDIO
His music frequently blends Brazilian funk rhythms with electronic, dance and mainstream pop influences.
Sampaio has also worked with several major Latin and Brazilian artists, including Anitta, J Balvin, Luísa Sonza, Pabllo Vittar and Marina Sena.
His studio albums include Chama Meu Nome, released in 2022, and Astro, released in 2024.
How Popular Is Pedro Sampaio?
Sampaio has developed a massive following, particularly in Brazil and Latin America.
According to figures highlighted by the NFL when announcing the Rio halftime performers, Sampaio has accumulated more than 14 billion audio and video streams and more than 10 million monthly Spotify listeners.
The NFL also described Sampaio as the most-streamed male pop artist in Brazil over the previous five years.
His international profile has continued to grow as well, including receiving a Latin Grammy nomination in 2024.
The NFL Rio Game now gives Sampaio an opportunity to perform in front of a potentially massive international television audience.
Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin Performing at NFL Rio Halftime Show
Sampaio will join global Latin music superstar Ricky Martin for the halftime entertainment during the Cowboys vs. Ravens Week 3 game.
The game is scheduled for:
Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
Rio time: 5:25 p.m.
Stadium: Maracanã Stadium
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Because halftime depends on the length of the first two quarters, there is no guaranteed exact starting time for the performance.
The show should take place roughly 90 minutes after kickoff, although viewers hoping to watch Sampaio and Martin should tune in earlier to avoid missing the performance.
Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin Collaborate on “PIKITO PIKITO”
The NFL halftime performance is not the only connection between Sampaio and Martin.
The two artists have also collaborated on a new song titled “PIKITO PIKITO.”
The collaboration brings together Sampaio’s Brazilian funk and electronic influences with Martin’s decades of experience as one of Latin pop’s most internationally successful performers.
Their appearance together at Maracanã provides a major stage to introduce the collaboration to audiences around the world.
Why Pedro Sampaio Performing at Maracanã Is Significant
For Sampaio, this is more than another concert appearance.
He was born in Rio de Janeiro, making the opportunity to perform on the field at Maracanã a homecoming on one of the biggest stages available.
Maracanã is one of the most famous stadiums in world sports, having hosted historic soccer matches, World Cup finals, Olympic events and major concerts.
Now Sampaio will be part of another chapter in the stadium’s history as the NFL brings a regular-season game to Rio de Janeiro.
Cowboys vs. Ravens Brings NFL and Brazilian Culture Together
The Cowboys-Ravens game represents the NFL’s continued expansion of its international schedule while giving the league an opportunity to showcase Brazilian culture to its global audience.
Selecting Pedro Sampaio alongside Ricky Martin gives the halftime show both a strong Brazilian identity and international star power.
For American football fans unfamiliar with Sampaio before Week 3, the Maracanã performance could serve as their introduction to one of Brazil’s most successful contemporary music artists.
Who Is Pedro Sampaio? Quick Facts
Full name: Pedro do Espírito Santo Sampaio
Born: December 21, 1997
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Profession: DJ, singer, songwriter and producer
Genres: Brazilian funk, pop and electronic music
Notable songs: “DANÇARINA,” “POCPOC,” “Sentadão” and “ESCADA DO PRÉDIO”
Albums: Chama Meu Nome and Astro
NFL performance: Cowboys vs. Ravens halftime show
Date: September 27, 2026
Venue: Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro
Co-headliner: Ricky Martin
Final Thoughts
Pedro Sampaio will be one of the artists to watch during the 2026 NFL Rio Game halftime show.
The Rio-born DJ has already established himself as a major name in Brazilian music, generating billions of streams while collaborating with some of the biggest artists in Latin music.
Now Sampaio gets a hometown showcase at Maracanã alongside Ricky Martin as the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens meet in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season.
For NFL viewers wondering who Pedro Sampaio is, Sunday’s halftime show could provide the perfect introduction.