Shakira is set to perform at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony. The Colombian icon, aged 49, has been honored with creating the official song of the tournament once again. She became heavily linked with the World Cup after her hit "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was used for the 2010 edition in South Africa.
New Song and Performances
In the video for her new track, "Dai Dai," the "Whenever, Wherever" singer captivates audiences in a range of elaborate frilly ensembles. She is due to perform the song at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday, ahead of the hosts' fixture against South Africa. She will also co-headline the World Cup final half-time show on July 19, performing alongside Madonna and K-pop sensation BTS.
Shakira's Boyfriend with 15-Year Age Gap
The musician has attracted attention for her rumored relationship with actor Lucien Laviscount, who is 34. Given Shakira's age of 49, there is a considerable 15-year age difference between the couple. The two reportedly met while filming her 2024 music video for "Punteria," and soon afterwards, speculation emerged that they were romantically involved. Laviscount, best recognized for his appearances on "Waterloo Road" and the Netflix sensation "Emily in Paris," was photographed dining in New York City with the "Hips Don't Lie" star. The couple subsequently confirmed their relationship through a string of public outings. However, it remains unclear whether the pair are still an item. Shakira told The Times in May: "No romance for me for now. There's no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full. My kids are my priority, and my career. Strangely enough, I'm in love with my career as I've never been in my life. I'm enjoying my time alone as well."
$75 Million Lawsuit
Shakira became embroiled in a legal dispute with her former boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, whom she first met in 2000. Eleven years later, the pair officially announced their personal split, assuring the public they would remain 'business partners.' Nevertheless, in December 2012, her ex-partner launched a $100 million (£75 million) lawsuit against her. De la Rua maintained that he played a crucial role in Shakira's global success, describing himself as "the key architect behind his management team and business strategy," according to Los40. He sought a substantial portion of the singer's future earnings. Shakira rejected any suggestion of a business arrangement with De la Rua, asserting that they were in a romantic relationship and that he had only occasionally served as her adviser. Their dispute dragged on for several years, with countersuits prolonging proceedings, until the courts ultimately ruled against De la Rua in 2013.
Break-Up with Gerard Pique
Shakira and former Spanish World Cup-winning defender Gerard Pique, who is 10 years her junior, first crossed paths in Madrid during the Rock in Rio festival in 2010. The couple went on to become one of the most high-profile pairs in the world, welcoming two children together, Milan and Sasha. However, in 2022 the couple officially parted ways following allegations of infidelity directed at the footballer, with Shakira going so far as to release a diss track about her ex the following year. During an interview with The Times earlier this year, she described the divorce as her "darkest moment." "I've been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person - or stronger, at least," she added. Despite this, she confirmed she harbors no animosity towards her former partner. "I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids and [for] turning me into the mother that I am today," she said. In the wake of her separation from Pique, reports emerged suggesting that De la Rua had been a source of support for Shakira throughout her relocation to Miami. It remained uncertain whether the pair had rekindled a romantic connection or whether it was purely a professional arrangement.
