Shakira is embracing a brand new chapter after years of heartbreak, legal battles, and public scrutiny.
Fresh off one other major victory in Spain and preparing to headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, the worldwide superstar is reflecting on the scars left behind by painful experiences that ultimately reshaped her.
From her emotional split with Gerard Piqué to finding healing through music and fans all over the world, the Colombian icon says every difficult moment taught her something deeper about resilience and strength.
Fresh off a busy photoshoot in Recent York City, Shakira opened up concerning the lessons she learned from the difficult moments that unfolded publicly during the last several years.
The singer was in full work mode while discussing plans for the music video tied to her recent Burna Boy collaboration “Dai Dai,” which is able to serve because the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although the upbeat track celebrates soccer, parts of its message closely mirror Shakira’s personal journey. “What broke you once made you strong,” a component of the lyrics declares.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Shakira admitted that line felt especially meaningful after enduring several emotional setbacks. “I at all times thought that I used to be more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be,” the star told the outlet.
She spent recent years dealing together with her highly publicized split from retired soccer player Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares sons Milan and Sasha.
At the identical time, she was fighting a lengthy tax fraud battle in Spain while continuing to perform and release music.
“Behind every experience in life, there’s at all times a lesson,” she said, adding, “We now have to be glad about all those lessons, even for the those that leave you with scars, because they only make us higher.”
Shakira Reflected On Her Long Fight To Reach Global Stardom
Long before becoming one in all the most important Latin artists in history, Shakira said she needed to fight continually for opportunities.
Over the course of her profession, the 49-year-old has sold greater than 95 million records worldwide and helped open doors for newer Latin stars including Bad Bunny and Karol G.
Still, she admitted the road to success was not at all times easy. “I had to actually fight for my dreams,” Shakira shared.
Looking back at her younger self, the “Waka Waka” singer said she wishes she had embraced more confidence earlier in life as a substitute of worrying about perfection.
“I might say to that girl back in her 20s to enjoy more, to imagine in herself more,” she said.
Shakira also reflected on how growing older modified her outlook on beauty and self-worth. “I believe women, as time goes by, we just acquire this recent confidence,” she explained. “Despite the fact that we don’t look as perfect as in our 20s, it’s beautiful to simply be yourself and accept who you’re.”
Beyond music, Shakira has continued specializing in charitable work. She revealed that each one royalties from “Dai Dai” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which provides children worldwide with access to education and soccer programs.
Shakira Returned To The World Cup Stage Years After Meeting Gerard Piqué
Soccer has remained deeply connected to Shakira’s personal and skilled life ever since she first performed on the 2010 World Cup.
“I actually have this reference to [soccer] that seems unbreakable,” she explained. That tournament became especially life-changing since it was where she first met Piqué.
The pair eventually built a family together before their relationship collapsed years later amid allegations of infidelity.
Now, Shakira is preparing for an additional major World Cup milestone. The Grammy winner will headline the inaugural World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium alongside Madonna and BTS.
Although details of the performance are still being finalized, she hinted the show will carry a bigger message during a difficult global climate.
“Every World Cup is basically magical. I believe this one goes to be all about bringing people together on this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically,” Shakira explained.
Shakira Turned Heartbreak Into One Of Her Biggest Profession Comebacks
Following her breakup from Piqué, Shakira used music as an emotional release. In January 2023, she released “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” alongside producer Bizarrap.
The song directly addressed the aftermath of the split and quickly became a worldwide success.
“It was just pure catharsis. I actually needed to put in writing about what I used to be going through and never have any censor,” Shakira admitted.
The track debuted at No. 1 on Spotify’s Day by day Global 200 chart and have become her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hit in greater than a decade.
Shakira joked that songwriting became cheaper than therapy. She also credited the painful chapter with helping her realize how resilient she truly was.
“Through those difficult moments, I discovered how resilient all of us are,” the singer shared.
During that period, Shakira said support from family members became essential. In response to her, “Life is a b-tch, nevertheless it’s so value living because friends are there for you.”
Shakira Celebrated A Huge Legal Victory While Preparing For Her Next Chapter
Just days after her photoshoot, Shakira secured one other major personal win when Spain’s National High Court cleared her of tax fraud allegations tied to her 2011 income.
The ruling overturned penalties previously imposed by Spanish tax authorities. In response to her representative, the songwriter is predicted to get well greater than €60 million ($69.7 million).
“After greater than eight years of tolerating brutal public targeting, orchestrated campaigns to destroy my status and sleepless nights that ultimately impacted my health and my family’s well-being, the National High Court has finally set the record straight,” Shakira said in an announcement.
The star is now preparing for the U.S. leg of her world tour starting June 13, together with her sons expected to hitch her on the road.
Meanwhile, Shakira insists she still feels energized about what comes next, despite already spending three many years within the industry.
“ what’s strange? I’ve done this professionally 30 years already,” Shakira said, “and it feels to me like I’m just starting.”