Shakira is embracing a new chapter after years of heartbreak, legal battles, and public scrutiny.
Fresh off another major victory in Spain and preparing to headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, the global 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 around the world, the Colombian icon says every difficult moment taught her something deeper about resilience and strength.
Fresh off a busy photoshoot in New York City, Shakira opened up about the lessons she learned from the difficult moments that unfolded publicly over the last several years.
The singer was in full work mode while discussing plans for the music video tied to her new Burna Boy collaboration “Dai Dai,” which will serve as 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 part of the lyrics declares.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Shakira admitted that line felt especially meaningful after enduring several emotional setbacks. “I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be,” the star told the outlet.
She spent recent years dealing with her highly publicized split from retired soccer player Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares sons Milan and Sasha.
At the same 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 always a lesson,” she said, adding, “We have to be grateful for all those lessons, even for the people that leave you with scars, because they just make us better.”
Shakira Reflected On Her Long Fight To Reach Global Stardom
Long before becoming one of the biggest Latin artists in history, Shakira said she had to fight constantly for opportunities.
Over the course of her career, the 49-year-old has sold more 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 always easy. “I had to really 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 instead of worrying about perfection.
“I would say to that girl back in her 20s to enjoy more, to believe in herself more,” she said.
Shakira also reflected on how growing older changed her outlook on beauty and self-worth. “I think women, as time goes by, we just acquire this new confidence,” she explained. “Even though we don’t look as perfect as in our 20s, it’s beautiful to just be yourself and accept who you are.”
Beyond music, Shakira has continued focusing on charitable work. She revealed that all 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 professional life ever since she first performed at the 2010 World Cup.
“I have this connection with [soccer] that seems unbreakable,” she explained. That tournament became especially life-changing because 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 another 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 larger message during a difficult global climate.
“Every World Cup is really magical. I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically,” Shakira explained.
Shakira Turned Heartbreak Into One Of Her Biggest Career 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 global success.
“It was just pure catharsis. I really needed to write about what I was going through and not have any censor,” Shakira admitted.
The track debuted at No. 1 on Spotify’s Daily Global 200 chart and became her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hit in more 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 challenging moments, I discovered how resilient we all are,” the singer shared.
During that period, Shakira said support from loved ones became essential. According to her, “Life is a b-tch, but it’s so worth 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 another 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. According to her representative, the songwriter is expected to recover more than €60 million ($69.7 million).
“After more than eight years of enduring brutal public targeting, orchestrated campaigns to destroy my reputation 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 a statement.
The star is now preparing for the U.S. leg of her world tour beginning June 13, with her sons expected to join her on the road.
Meanwhile, Shakira insists she still feels energized about what comes next, despite already spending three decades in the industry.
“You know what’s strange? I’ve done this professionally 30 years already,” Shakira said, “and it feels to me like I’m just starting.”
