Shakira may be one of the most recognizable names in pop culture, but fans are only just realizing who her boyfriend is.
The Colombian megastar will be performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City tonight (June 11), ahead of the clash between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Whether she likes it or not, the artist will remain synonymous with soccer’s biggest event, after her global hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ became the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and following her long-term relationship with Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué.
Many argue that it is the best soccer-related song ever made, but Shakira is back with another song for this year’s World Cup, titled ‘Dai Dai’, featuring afrobeats star Burna Boy.
She is also slated to appear in the World Cup final half-time show on July 19, alongside Madonna and BTS.
But as the 49-year-old is now back in the limelight, the public is only just realizing who her boyfriend is.
Shakira has been in a high-profile relationship without many knowing. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation
Shakira’s boyfriend and their 15-year age gap
A sense of intrigue was created when people realised that Shakira was reportedly dating actor Lucien Laviscount, who, at 34, is 15 years her junior.
The Brit is best known for portraying Alfie in the Netflix hit series Emily in Paris, which is one of the platform’s most successful original series.
Shakira and Laviscount were first linked after the latter appeared in her music video for ‘Punteria’ in 2024, where they got up close and personal.
The singer would only confirm the relationship in early 2026 in a public appearance together, years after being seen eating dinner together in New York.
While they appeared on each other’s social media accounts, Shakira only confirmed the whispers in February this year.
Despite appearing in public numerous times together, the ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer cast doubt over their relationship in an interview with The Times in May.
“No romance for me for now. There’s no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full. My kids are my priority, and my career,” she claimed.
“Strangely enough, I’m in love with my career as I’ve never been in my life,” Shakira stated, adding: “I’m enjoying my time alone as well.”
Lucien Laviscount and Shakira made their relationship official in early 2026. Credit: Instagram/its_lucien
Shakira’s past relationships
The Latin artist had a decade-long relationship with Antonio de la Rua, who is also her business manager.
He would sue the artist after their 2011 break-up for $250 million, after he left his career as a publicist to work with her.
But the Colombian artist’s most well-known relationship was that with former Barcelona and Spain defender, Gerard Piqué, who was 10 years her junior.
The pair met while filming the music video for ‘Waka Waka’ and started dating in the months after it was released.
They never married, but the stars have two children together – sons Milan and Sasha.
Shakira and Piqué split up in 2022, following allegations of infidelity on Piqué’s part, which prompted his ex-partner to release several diss tracks aimed at him.
She would later say that her responsibilities as a mom helped her through the struggles of a public breakup,
Delving into the details of the break-up to The Times, she admitted it was her “darkest moment,” explaining: “I’ve been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person – or stronger, at least.”
Despite rumors of Piqué being unfaithful and supposed diss tracks aimed at him, Shakira claimed there is no bad blood, telling the publication: “I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids and [for] turning me into the mother that I am today.”
