Shakira has opened up about the heartache of her breakup with former partner Gerard Piqué, explaining how music became her salvation. The international superstar and the ex-Barcelona footballer ended their relationship in 2022 after 11 years together. The couple share two sons, Milan and Sasha, and their surprising split followed widespread rumors that Piqué had been unfaithful.
Music as Catharsis
The Colombian songstress has shared how she poured her feelings into her music, confessing that penning her 2023 hit 'Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53' helped her navigate the hurt. Speaking to PEOPLE, Shakira said: 'It was just pure catharsis. I really needed to write about what I was going through and not have any censor.' The chart-topping single became a worldwide sensation, with many fans interpreting its lyrics as a direct reaction to her breakup.
Following the separation, online gossip suggested that Shakira allegedly discovered Piqué's supposed affair after noticing a jar of jam in her home had been consumed, despite her being the only one who liked it. The theory gained momentum after fans connected it to imagery in her music video for 'Te Felicito' with Rauw Alejandro. However, Shakira later dismissed the viral claim during an interview with the Sunday Times in 2024, bluntly stating: 'Not true.'
Resilience and Friendship
Reflecting on the turbulent period, the singer said the ordeal taught her a crucial lesson about strength. 'Through those challenging moments, I discovered how resilient we all are,' she said. Shakira also lauded the friends who stood by her during the fallout, adding: 'Life is a b****, but it's so worth living because friends are there for you.'
World Cup Connection
Shakira recently revealed why the World Cup holds such significance for her. She performed the official anthem of the 2010 tournament, 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),' and first encountered Piqué at that tournament. 'I have this connection with [football] that seems unbreakable. That's why I call my kids the Waka kids. I think they were born because of that song. That song took me to the World Cup, the World Cup had an important impact in my life, and they were born - the best thing that has happened to me.'
'Dai Dai' Hits 100 Million Streams
Turning to this year's tournament anthem, 'Dai Dai' (Italian slang for 'come on, come on'), Shakira collaborated with Burna Boy. The emotional track's message deeply resonates with her. Lyrics like 'What broke you once made you strong' particularly struck a chord. 'I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be,' Shakira said. The anthem has now passed 100 million streams on YouTube, with more expected as the World Cup kicks off on Thursday.
