Shakira is preparing to make history once again. The global music icon has opened up about her three-decade career, personal challenges, and her upcoming performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 49-year-old singer shared that despite spending 30 years in the music industry, she still feels as though she is only beginning her journey.
Historic World Cup Halftime Show
Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Simultaneously, she is continuing her highly successful Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour and celebrating numerous milestones in both her personal and professional life.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Reflecting on the difficulties she has faced, Shakira explained that hard times have made her stronger. The singer endured a highly publicized separation from former Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, a lengthy legal battle in Spain, and the challenge of raising her two sons amid these experiences. Despite everything, she believes these lessons have shaped who she is today.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Shakira said, “I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be.” The Colombian artist emphasized that every experience, even painful ones, offers valuable lessons. “Behind every experience in life, there’s always a lesson, and we have to be grateful for all those lessons, even for the people that leave you with scars. Because they just make us better,” she added.
New Song for the World Cup
Shakira’s new track “Dai Dai”, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has been named the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The singer has pledged that all royalties from the song will go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that provides children worldwide with access to education and soccer opportunities. “It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big,” Shakira said.
World Cup’s Special Role in Her Life
The World Cup has always held a special place in Shakira’s heart. She performed “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the 2010 World Cup, where she met Gerard Piqué. The couple later welcomed two sons, Milan and Sasha, before ending their relationship in 2022.
Turning Heartbreak into Music
Shakira also discussed how she channeled heartbreak into her art. Her 2023 collaboration with Bizarrap became one of the biggest hits of her career. “It was just pure catharsis. I really needed to write about what I was going through and not have any censor,” she recalled.
Recently, Spain’s National Court cleared her of tax fraud claims related to her 2011 income, providing another boost. With a record-breaking tour, a World Cup performance, and new music on the horizon, Shakira says she has no intention of slowing down. “You know what’s strange? I’ve done this professionally 30 years already. And it feels to me like I’m just starting,” she concluded.
