Shakira Reflects on Breakup with Gerard Piqué, Calls It "Darkest Moment"

Shakira is looking back on one of the most challenging chapters of her life. The 49-year-old Grammy-winning artist sat down with The Times for a candid conversation published Friday, May 22, where she discussed the emotional weight of her breakup from former soccer player Gerard Piqué.

The pair were together for 11 years, from 2010 to 2022, and have two sons together: Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11. Shakira characterized the split as "the darkest moment," citing how it fundamentally altered her family structure.

Making matters more complicated during that turbulent period, Shakira was simultaneously caring for her father after he experienced a serious fall while traveling to Barcelona to support her through the breakup.

"I've been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person—or stronger, at least," Shakira told the publication. "They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and it is true. It's amazing to learn that humans have a resilience that we can resort to at any moment in our lives."

The "Hips Don't Lie" hitmaker elaborated on how adversity has reshaped her worldview. "Sometimes through hardships and through pain is how we discover how strong we can be. Suffering sometimes makes you a better person, makes you value friends and support," she explained.

She acknowledged life's duality as well. "Life sometimes can be a b—h," she said, "but it's also beautiful and made of light and shadows."

"So I thank life for every single moment, the bright ones and the dark ones, the people who have made me suffer because they have become my masters who have taught me lessons, very valuable lessons," Shakira added.

Four years after the split, the multi-Grammy winner maintains warm feelings toward her ex. "I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids," she shared, noting that the relationship shaped her as a mother. "He made me the mother that I am today."

Looking ahead, Shakira says her priorities are firmly planted elsewhere. Romance is not on her agenda at the moment. "There's no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full," she stated.

In music news, Shakira recently collaborated with Burna Boy on "Dai Dai," a track that will serve as the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, with the music video having just premiered.