Inside Shakira, Gerard Pique's relationship and painful split after 11 years

Shakira's return to the FIFA World Cup stage in 2026 has reignited interest in her once-celebrated romance with former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué.

The pair first met in 2010 while filming the music video for Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) the official anthem of that year's FIFA World Cup.

Piqué appeared in the video alongside several football stars and the two soon began dating before confirming their relationship publicly in 2011.

Over the next 11 years Shakira and Piqué became one of the world's most recognisable celebrity couples. They welcomed two sons Milan and Sasha but despite their long relationship the pair never married.

Shakira previously explained that marriage was never a priority for her saying she preferred the dynamic of their relationship as it was.

In June 2022 the couple announced they were separating after more than a decade together.

Following the split widespread reports claimed Piqué had been unfaithful during their relationship. However the former footballer has never publicly addressed those allegations.

After ending their relationship Shakira and Piqué reached a custody agreement for their children with the Grammy-winning singer later relocating to Miami to be closer to her family.

Since the breakup Piqué has continued his relationship with Clara Chía Martí while Shakira has focused on her music, career and raising her sons.

The singer has also indicated in recent interviews that dating is not currently her priority.

Although their romance ended in heartbreak Shakira and Piqué's relationship remains one of the most memorable love stories to emerge from the FIFA World Cup.