Shakira and her longtime-partner, Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, have split, the Colombian pop star has confirmed.
“We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm. “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your 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 song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The pair of exes share two sons, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7.
The confirmation comes after Spanish news outlet El Periodico reported that Piqué moved out of their family home.
Things appeared to be going smoothly 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 brought in 2022 together, captioning the snaps, “Let’s whistle our way to 2022!… Y los últimos besitos del 2021!”
Even still, many fans believed the Super Bowl performer was set to come out of the closet last summer thanks to the star changing her Twitter photo and header to a faded mix of pink, orange and white, which represent the lesbian pride flag.
The singer never acknowledged fan suspicions.
