Shakira is speaking candidly about the heartbreak she endured following the end of her relationship with former soccer star Gerard Piqué amid allegations of infidelity.
In an interview with People published Wednesday, the Grammy-winning singer reflected on the emotional challenges she faced after the split.
“I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be,” Shakira said.
The couple, who were together for 11 years, announced their separation in 2022. The breakup later inspired Shakira’s hit song, “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” released in 2023.
The track, widely interpreted as addressing Piqué’s alleged infidelity, became a major commercial success and marked Shakira’s first Top 10 appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in more than a decade.
“It was just pure catharsis. I really needed to write about what I was going through and not have any censor,” Shakira said.
The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer described songwriting as “like going to a shrink, only cheaper.”
Shakira, who shares sons Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11, with Piqué, also reflected on relying on friends and family in the wake of the alleged infidelity.
“Life is a bitch, but it’s so worth living because friends are there for you,” she said of navigating heartbreak.
Shakira, pictured here with Piqué in 2019, described the experience as “pure catharsis,” saying she “really needed to write about what I was going through and not have any censor.”
The “Hips Don’t Lie” hitmaker (pictured here in 2019 with her ex) said songwriting is “like going to a shrink, only cheaper.”
Shakira added that she believes in gratitude for life’s lessons.
“Even for the people that leave you with scars,” she said, “because they just make us better.”
After separating from the athlete, the mother of two focused on moving forward for her sons.
“When your world collapses, you have to get up and pay the bills and still prepare breakfast and take your kids to school. Life needs to go on,” she told People, adding that “motherhood makes you strong.”
“The moment I became a mother, I saw life through a different perspective, and my kids are not only the best thing that happened to me, but I’ve learned so much from them every day.”
“The moment I became a mother, I saw life through a different perspective, and my kids are not only the best thing that happened to me, but I’ve learned so much from them every day,” the pop star (pictured here with her sons in 2025) said.
Despite being previously linked to Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, Shakira says she is currently focused on her two sons.
“I’m just thinking of raising my kids. I don’t see that for now,” she said of a future relationship. “Maybe when they’re older.”
The trio has since relocated from Spain to Miami.
The Colombian star first met the soccer player on the set of her music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The songstress (pictured here with the retired footballer in 2019) first met her ex during the filming of her music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”
In 2022, the pair (pictured here in 2013) announced their separation.
Shakira and Piqué confirmed the split in a joint statement released at the time.
“We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
Months later, Shakira spoke about how difficult the breakup was.
In 2023, rumors surfaced that Shakira (pictured here with her ex in 2014) was devastated following allegations of his affair with his now-girlfriend, Clara Chía Martí.
Shakira (pictured here with her ex in 2014) has since relocated to Miami with her sons.
“It’s hard to talk about it, especially because I’m still going through it, and because I’m in the public eye and because our separation is not like a regular separation,” she told Elle in September 2022.
In 2023, reports surfaced that the “Whenever, Wherever” singer was “devastated” after learning of her ex’s alleged infidelity with his now-girlfriend, Clara Chía Martí.
At the time, rumors also circulated that Shakira had discovered the alleged cheating after noticing her favorite jam was disappearing from their fridge—though she has since dismissed that claim.
