Shakira Set to Ignite World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Amidst £75M Lawsuit and Personal Turmoil
Colombian pop icon Shakira is poised to perform at the opening ceremony of the World Cup 2026 in Mexico City, just before the host nation faces South Africa. This event marks another significant moment in Shakira’s career, as she has been entrusted with creating the official song for the tournament, a role she has embraced in the past.
A Legacy of World Cup Anthems
Shakira, now 49, has become synonymous with the World Cup, particularly following her success with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. The anticipation surrounding her new track, titled “Dai Dai,” is palpable, especially as she showcases an array of vibrant outfits in the accompanying music video. The performance at the opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, coinciding with the highly anticipated match between Mexico and South Africa.
In addition to her opening ceremony performance, Shakira is also set to co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19, alongside music legends Madonna and K-pop sensation BTS. As she returns to the global stage, attention is drawn not only to her musical endeavors but also to her personal life, including her recent romantic history and ongoing legal battles.
Personal Life Under Scrutiny
Shakira’s reported relationship with actor Lucien Laviscount, who is 34, has attracted media attention due to their 15-year age difference. The two reportedly met while filming her 2024 music video for “Punteria,” leading to speculation about their relationship status. Laviscount, known for his roles in “Waterloo Road” and Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” was recently seen dining with Shakira in New York City.
Despite the public appearances that have confirmed their romance, Shakira has expressed uncertainty about her personal life. In a recent statement, she emphasized her focus on her career and children, stating, “There’s no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full.”
Legal Challenges
In addition to her personal life, Shakira is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with her former boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua. The couple, who began dating in 2000, announced their split in 2011, stating they would remain business partners. However, in December 2012, de la Rua filed a $100 million (£75 million) lawsuit against Shakira, claiming he played a pivotal role in her success and sought a significant portion of her future earnings.
Shakira has consistently denied any business relationship with de la Rua, asserting that he was merely an advisor during their time together. The legal battle has been protracted, with countersuits exchanged, ultimately resulting in a court ruling against de la Rua in 2013.
Reflections on Past Relationships
Shakira’s romantic history has been a topic of interest, particularly her high-profile relationship with former Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. The couple, who share two children, Milan and Sasha, began dating in 2010 after meeting at the Rock in Rio festival in Madrid. Their relationship ended in 2022 amid allegations of infidelity against Piqué.
Reflecting on the breakup, Shakira described it as her “darkest moment,” acknowledging the pain she experienced but also recognizing the personal growth that followed. She expressed gratitude towards Piqué, stating, “I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids.”
Following her separation from Piqué, reports indicated that de la Rua had been a source of support for Shakira during her transition to Miami. However, it remains unclear whether their relationship has evolved beyond a professional capacity.
As Shakira prepares for her performance at the World Cup, her journey through personal and professional challenges continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.
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Published on 2026-06-11 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk