Four years after her highly publicized separation from former football star Gerard Piqué, Shakira has made it clear: romance is not on the table. In a candid interview with The Times, the 49-year-old singer from Barranquilla explained that her schedule simply leaves no room for dating. Between co-parenting her sons Milan and Sasha and pouring energy into her most prolific artistic phase yet, she says she lacks both the time and emotional bandwidth for a new relationship.
“I have no space for that right now,” Shakira told the British newspaper, adding that her focus is squarely on her children and her music. The statement comes as she navigates one of the most productive stretches of her career, following the release of hits like “Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53” and her recent album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.
From Darkness to Strength
The dissolution of her family unit in 2022 coincided with a deeply personal crisis: her father’s hospitalization. Shakira has openly referred to that period as her “darkest moment,” but she now views it as a crucible that forged her resilience. “Suffering teaches you things you never knew you were capable of,” she reflected. The experience, she says, forced her to lean on her friendships and ultimately shaped her into the mother and artist she is today.
In a mature turn, the Colombian superstar expressed gratitude for the difficult experiences and even the people who caused her pain. “Those challenges made me who I am,” she said. “I’m thankful for the lessons.” This perspective echoes themes in her recent music, where she has channeled heartbreak into anthems of empowerment.
A Landmark Legal Victory
Shakira’s announcement of extended singlehood arrives alongside a major win in Spanish courts. After a grueling legal battle over alleged tax discrepancies, a judge ordered the Spanish tax agency to refund the singer €55 million. The ruling marks a definitive end to a years-long fiscal saga that had cast a shadow over her career. For Shakira, the victory is both financial and symbolic—a validation of her integrity after what she has described as a relentless campaign by Spanish authorities.
The timing is notable: just days before the interview, the court’s decision was made public, closing a week of intense media scrutiny. Shakira’s team confirmed that the refund will be processed, though they declined to comment further on the specifics.
Art as Catharsis
While Piqué has moved on with Clara Chía, Shakira has transformed her pain into art. Her catalog of songs from the past two years—including the diss track “Te Felicito” and the defiant “Monotonía”—has resonated deeply with fans across Latin America and the diaspora. In her interview, she hinted that more music is on the way, though she remained tight-lipped about specifics.
“My art comes from real life,” she said. “But I’m not a victim. I’m the owner of my own story.” That sentiment aligns with her recent World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” which subtly nods to her past while looking forward. The song, which has sparked buzz for its hidden references to Piqué and Spain, is part of her preparation for the 2026 World Cup halftime show, where she will share the stage with Madonna and BTS.
As Shakira enters this new chapter, she does so with a firm sense of independence. “The lights and shadows of my life have given me an absolute shield,” she said. “I know who I am, and I’m not afraid to be alone.” For her fans—from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles—that message of resilience is exactly what they’ve come to expect from the woman who turned heartbreak into a global soundtrack.
