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Shakira says her connection to soccer has shaped some of the most important moments of her life, influencing not only her career but also her family.
Ahead of her upcoming World Cup halftime performance, the global superstar reflected on the lasting bond she has developed with the sport over the years. Speaking to PEOPLE, the 49-year-old singer described her relationship with soccer as something that feels destined.
"It's crazy that I have this connection with soccer that seems unbreakable," she said.
Shakira's World Cup journey began in 2006, when she performed "Hips Don't Lie" alongside Wyclef Jean during the tournament. Four years later, she returned to the global stage with "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," which became one of the most recognizable World Cup anthems in history.
The 2010 tournament also marked a major turning point in her personal life. It was during that World Cup that she met former Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, with whom she later welcomed two sons, Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11.
Looking back on that chapter, Shakira said she affectionately refers to her children as her "Waka kids" because of the role the song played in bringing their family story together.
She explained that performing "Waka Waka" led her to the World Cup, and the tournament ultimately introduced her to the father of her children. The birth of Milan and Sasha, she said, remains the greatest gift to come from that experience.
Her World Cup memories continued in 2014 when she performed "La La La (Brazil 2014)" with Carlinhos Brown while pregnant with her younger son, Sasha.
Laughing about the experience, Shakira recalled how devoted fans quickly suspected she was expecting, despite being only a month or two into her pregnancy.
For the singer, every World Cup carries its own special meaning.
She said this year's tournament feels especially significant because of the current social and political climate, adding that she hopes the event will unite people around the world.
Shakira has already performed alongside Burna Boy at the opening match, debuting their official World Cup song, "Dai Dai." She is also set to make history by co-headlining the tournament's first-ever halftime show at the World Cup final on July 18 at MetLife Stadium alongside Madonna and BTS.
Asked why she continues returning to the World Cup stage, Shakira offered a simple explanation: "Fate."
