Shakira opens up about Gerard Pique break up as World Cup track passes milestone
Shakira and Gerard Piqué split in 2022 after 11 years together and the Colombian singer has opened up about how she channelled her heartbreak into music ahead of her FIFA 2026 World Cup anthem
Shakira has opened up about her love life on social media(Image: @shakira/Instagram)
Shakira has revealed the heartache of her break up 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 a decade together. The couple have two sons, Milan and Sasha, and their surprising split followed widespread rumours that Piqué had been unfaithful.
Now, the Colombian songstress has shared how she poured her feelings into her music, confessing that penning her hit 2023 track Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 helped her navigate the hurt. The singer has been sharing insights into her life ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, for which she has teamed up with Burna Boy to produce the official anthem, ‘Dai Dai.’
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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 break up.
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, reports the Mirror US.
However, Shakira later dismissed the viral claim during an interview with the Sunday Times in 2024, bluntly stating: “Not true.” 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 from the separation, adding: “Life is a b****, but it’s so worth living because friends are there for you.”
Shakira recently revealed why the World Cup holds such significance for her after she also performed the official anthem of the 2010 tournament, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). She first encountered Pique, whom she would later marry, 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.”
Turning to this year’s tournament anthem, Dai Dai, is an Italian slang phrase meaning “come on, come on,” is an emotional track, with the message deeply resonating with the artist.
Lyrics like “What broke you once made you strong” particularly struck a chord with her. “I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be,” Shakira said.
Shakira’s latest World Cup anthem has now passed 100million streams on YouTube – and it set for more when the festival of football swings into action on Thursday.
