Shakira is set to perform at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City ahead of the hosts’ clash with South Africa
Colombian superstar Shakira has once more been given the responsibility of creating the official song of the World Cup. The 49-year-old has become somewhat synonymous with the tournament following her hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) which was used for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
In the video for the new track, Dai Dai, the Whenever, Wherever singer tantalises fans in a succession of frilly ensembles. She’s due to perform the song at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday before the hosts’ fixture with South Africa.
She is also scheduled to co-headline the World Cup final half-time show on July 19, alongside Madonna and K-pop sensations BTS. With Shakira firmly back in the spotlight, we examine the star’s romantic history and a controversial legal battle.
Shakira’s boyfriend with 15-year age gap
The singer has sparked controversy over her reported relationship with actor Lucien Laviscount, who is 34. Shakira’s age of 49 means there is a substantial 15-year age gap between the pair. The duo met while filming her 2024 music video for Punteria, and soon afterwards, speculation emerged that they were dating.
Laviscount, who is known for his roles on Waterloo Road and Netflix sensation Emily in Paris, was spotted having dinner in New York City with the Hips Don’t Lie star.
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They subsequently confirmed their romance through a string of public appearances. However, it remains uncertain whether they’re still an item after Shakira revealed to 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.”
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£75million lawsuit
Shakira found herself embroiled in legal action with her former boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, whom she first encountered in 2000. Eleven years on, they officially announced their split, reassuring fans they would continue as ‘business partners’. Yet in December 2012, her former partner launched a $100m (£75m) legal claim against her.
De la Rua maintained 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 income.
Shakira rejected claims of any business dealings with De la Rua, insisting they were in a relationship and he merely served as her advisor from time to time. Their legal dispute dragged on for years with countersuits before the courts ultimately sided against De la Rua in 2013.
Break up with Gerard Pique
Shakira and former Spain defender Pique, who is 10 years her junior, first crossed paths in Madrid at the Rock in Rio festival in 2010.
They subsequently became one of the globe’s most high-profile couples and had two children together, Milan and Sasha. Yet in 2022, the couple officially parted ways following allegations of infidelity aimed at the footballer.
Speaking to The Times earlier this year, Shakira described the breakdown of her marriage as her “darkest moment,” adding: “I’ve been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person – or stronger, at least.”
Despite everything, she confirmed she harbours no bitterness 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.
Following her separation from Pique it emerged that De la Rua had been a source of support for Shakira during her relocation to Miami. Whether the pair had rekindled their romance or were simply working together in a professional capacity remained unclear.
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