How age-defying Shakira had the last laugh over ex Gerard Pique after ‘cheat’ scandal, as superstar sizzles at World Cup

IT was the split that shocked the showbiz world – with Shakira parting ways with long-term partner footballer Gerard Pique after he was reportedly unfaithful in 2022. However, the Latin superstar is having the “last laugh”, according to PR expert Denise Palmer Davies, following an explosive few years and her stand-out World Cup Final performance. Shakira looked sensational as she performed during the World Cup Final Halftime Show last night Credit: Getty Shakira performed for Spain vs Argentina match – alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS Credit: Reuters Their 11-year relationship ended dramatically, with Shakira moving to Miami with their two sons – Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11 – a year later. However, the sultry singer didn’t just move on from her former Barcelona centre-back, partner, she really cashed in. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! PR expert Denise Palmer Davies told The Sun: “Shakira has definitely had the last laugh, and it’s a stark reminder that the best revenge isn’t retaliation, it’s reinvention. “Rather than allowing betrayal to define her narrative, Shakira has used it as fuel.” Shakira split from Gerard Piquet in 2022 – following cheating rumours Credit: Getty Shakira has broken records for the most World Cup final performance appearances in history Credit: Instagram Two decades from Hips Don’t Lie, she is reaching new heights – and is now the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, having sold over 75million albums worldwide. Last night, Shakira – alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS – headlined the World Cup Half Term show, midway through Spain’s showdown with Argentina. The performance saw her doing her trademark, head-turning dancing in a head-turning pink and yellow dress – and twerking aside, it was also record-breaking. Shakira now holds the title for the most World Cup final performance appearances in history, totaling four (in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2026). Most read in Fabulous Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is the highest-grossing Hispanic tour of all time Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Her Dai Dai World Cup anthem song racked up over 100million views on YouTube just two weeks after release, breaking records Credit: Instagram Denise added: “Shakira looked incredible, it was very much with her performance that said I’m here, I’m better than ever and I’m not going anywhere.” Shakira had already made waves at the tournament before the footballing action had begun. Her 2026 song Dai Dai broke records by surpassing 100million views on YouTube just two weeks after release. This made it one of the fastest-growing World Cup anthems before a tournament had even kicked off. In January, Billboard confirmed her world tour as the highest-grossing Hispanic tour of all time. The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour – translated as Women No Longer Cry Tour – has raked in over $421million (£312.7million) across its initial 86 shows, easily surpassing the previous record held by Luis Miguel. Denise added: “Shakira has flipped the script. “Instead of being remembered as the woman who was cheated on, she’s now being celebrated as a global powerhouse breaking records.” Her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has racked up £312.7million so far Credit: Getty Shakira with her sons at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she walked away with Best Latin Pop Album Credit: CBS Shakira – who is to receive a handsome £52million payout after being acquitted in a years-long legal battle over tax – has also scored a 500million-stream hit with Zoo, which was co-written with Ed Sheeran for Disney‘s Zootropolis 2. Cashing in on Pique’s alleged infidelity, Shakira also launched her BZRP Music Sessions diss track and reportedly raked in £24million from her heartbreak trilogy. Meanwhile, for recent gongs, she took home Tour of the Year and Best Female Latin Artist at the 2026 American Music Awards. Denise added: “The real ‘last laugh’ isn’t about Gerard Piqué at all. “Shakira’s achievements have eclipsed the breakup narrative entirely, and that’s arguably the most powerful ending anyone could hope for.” Aside from her accolades, fans have frequently commented on how the She Wolf singer, 49, appears to be “ageing backwards” thanks to her enviably youthful snaps. Despite it being over three decades since her first headline concert, the star looks even fitter than when she shot to fame in the early-Noughties. Shakira, whose North American tour dates were upgraded from arenas to stadiums due to demand, is constantly working out and has two physiotherapists with her on the road with her. Gerard is now dating Clara Chia Marti, who is 12 years his junior after his bitter Shakira split Credit: Instagram Gerard and Shakira with their two sons, Milan and Sasha Credit: Getty Shakira at the 2026 Met Gala in an unmissable pink gown Credit: Getty Shakira has also put herself out there romantically since her high-profile split from Pique, who is now with PR student Clara Chia Marti, who is 12 years his junior and is believed to have met him while working on events at his production company Kosmos. Last month, Shakira sparked dating rumors with hunky actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. The pair were seen leaving a hotel together in Los Angeles, days after Shakira turned up the heat at the World Cup opening. The singer and Manuel, who is known for starring in Lincoln Lawyer, were waiting at a valet stand outside the Sunset Tower Hotel. Before this, she was romantically linked to Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount. The relationship began after they met in early 2024 on the set of her music video for Puntería, in which he played her love interest. But ahead of the World Cup, Shakira noted that she has “no space or time” for a relationship. “Oh no, no romance for me for now,” Shakira told The Times, hinting she and Lucien were no longer an item. Following her split from Piquet, she was romantically linked to Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount Credit: Press Handout More recently she has been linked to Lincoln Lawyer actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Credit: Getty “There’s no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full. “My kids are my priority. And my career. Strangely enough, I’m in love with my career like I’ve never been in my life. I’m enjoying my time alone as well.” PR expert Megan Dooley told The Sun: “From a PR perspective, Shakira has consistently reclaimed the conversation, bringing it back to her own accomplishments as a resilient global star. “Shakira’s legacy continues to be centred around her achievements as opposed to her relationship status, and it’s a testament to her talent and success, along with her relationship with her fans that her achievements can continue to outweigh the conversations about her relationships.” Comment now