Two years after her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira has achieved significant milestones, including four major hits and a VMAs Vanguard Award, while preparing to release her next album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). In a recent interview with The Times of London, the Colombian singer, renowned for tracks like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Beautiful Liar,” and “Waka Waka,” reflected on her years-long hiatus from music to support Piqué’s soccer career and raise their two sons, Milan and Sasha. Shakira recounted her decision to put her career on hold, emphasizing the sacrifices she made for love and family.

Shakira and Piqué’s relationship began after they met on the set of the “Waka Waka” music video for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where Piqué’s team, Spain, won the championship. They started dating soon after and welcomed their first son, Milan, in 2013. Despite their long-term partnership and two children, the couple never married and announced their separation in September 2022. Following the split, Piqué’s relationship with Clara Chia Martí became public, amid rumors of infidelity. In response, Shakira released four record-breaking songs, including “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” where she mentions Piqué’s new girlfriend by name. Shakira highlighted the contrast between artists and athletes, noting that empathy is essential for artists but often absent in athletes due to their competitive nature.

After moving from Barcelona to Miami with her sons in early 2023, Shakira found renewed inspiration in her music career. She shared with Billboard how the relocation allowed her to reconnect with music professionals and release new music more frequently, despite the challenges of balancing single motherhood with her career. Shakira emphasized the difficulty of juggling her responsibilities as a present mother and a pop star without a partner’s support. Her career had been a lower priority while living in Europe, as she dedicated herself to her family. Now, she involves her sons in her music, with Milan and Sasha contributing their voices to her 2023 ballad “Acróstico.” Shakira also expressed how her children inspire her to be a better person, describing them as the most important and amazing aspects of her life.