Alicia Sánchez—In 2010, Shakira’s life took a new turn. As the year came to a close, she performed for the first time in Nanjing, China, at a low-profile New Year’s Eve gala announced just days earlier on Jiangsu Satellite TV. Meanwhile, her longtime partner, Antonio de la Rúa, was relaxing at their shared home, La Colorada, in Punta del Este, Uruguay. It was during this time that Shakira sent him a text that would change everything.
According to Semana magazine, Shakira messaged Antonio: “Love… I’m seeing Piqué.” A few months later, they officially announced a ‘temporary’ breakup, assuring the public they’d remain ‘business partners’ and keep an “unbreakable and indestructible friendship.” However, that arrangement didn’t last long.
Shakira and FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué first met in Madrid during the Rock in Rio festival on June 5, 2010. They happened to run into each other at a bar, shared some mojitos, and felt an instant connection. Not long after, they reunited in South Africa—Shakira was performing the World Cup anthem ‘Waka Waka,’ while Piqué was competing with Spain’s national team, which went on to win the championship. Their bond only grew stronger, and soon they were frequently seen together in Barcelona.
Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa
The ex-couple met in Biarritz and agreed it was time to announce their breakup. On January 10, 2011, they shared the news on Shakira’s official website:
“After nearly 11 wonderful years together, we’ve loved, cared for, and supported each other deeply. Since August 2010, we’ve mutually decided to take some time apart from our romantic relationship. We see this separation as temporary and as a chance for individual growth. Antonio will continue managing my business and career as he always has. Our friendship and mutual respect remain unbreakable.”
Just two months later, Shakira made another big announcement—but this time on Twitter. She posted a photo with Gerard Piqué and captioned it: “Let me introduce you to my sunshine.” By March 2011, their relationship was officially public.
However, things didn’t end so smoothly between Shakira and Antonio. On December 1, 2012, while Shakira was expecting her first son, Milan (born in January 2013 in Barcelona), she faced a major shock: Antonio filed a $100 million lawsuit against her, putting an unexpected twist on what was once described as an ‘unbreakable’ bond.
Shakira Vs. Antonio
Antonio, affectionately known as ‘Antoñito,’ claimed he played a major role in shaping Shakira’s global success. He described himself as “the key architect behind her management team and business strategy that paved the way for her lasting financial success,” according to legal documents. He argued that he’d left his career behind to “fully dedicate himself” to managing her professional life. In return, he demanded millions in back pay and a share of future profits from the “Shakira brand.”
Shakira, however, firmly denied having any formal business ties with De la Rúa, insisting he had only ever been her boyfriend and occasional advisor. She responded with a countersuit, accusing him of “misappropriating $6.6 million without her consent.” Their legal battle lasted for years, marked by lawsuits and countersuits. In the end, the courts ruled against Antonio, dismissing all his claims. Over time, the former couple let go of their disputes and moved on.
Following her split from Piqué in 2022, reports surfaced that De la Rúa had supported Shakira during her move to Miami. In August 2024, they made headlines again after being “spotted” dining together at an upscale Miami hotel. While some media outlets speculated about a “romantic reunion” marked by “meaningful glances,” others maintained their meeting was purely business-related.
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