Shakira and her longtime partner, Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, have separated, the Colombian pop star has confirmed.
“We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a statement released by Shakira’s PR firm. “For the well-being of our children, which is our top priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thanks for understanding.”
The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer, 45, met the footballer, 35, on the set of her music video for ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’, which served as the official World Cup song soccer 2010.
The ex couple share two sons, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7.
The confirmation comes after Spanish outlet El Periodico reported that Pique had left the family home.
Things seemed to be going well for the couple as recently as Valentine’s Day, when Shakira shared a photo to mark the occasion on social media.
She also shared a photo of them kissing as they reunited in 2022, captioning the snaps, “Let’s whistle our way to 2022!… Y los últimos besitos del 2021!”
Even still, many fans thought the Super Bowl performer was about to come out of the closet last summer thanks to the star’s Twitter photo and header being changed to a faded medley of pink. , orange and white, representing the lesbian pride flag.
The singer never acknowledged the suspicions of the fans.