Shakira captivated audiences with a high-energy performance at the World Cup final half-time show, subsequently sharing moments with a constellation of stars backstage. Among the notable figures she connected with were fellow artist Beyoncé, football icon David Beckham, and actor Tom Cruise, as documented in a series of Instagram posts.
The singer, 49, appeared in high spirits as she reunited with Beyoncé, 44, a connection stemming from their 2007 collaboration on the hit song "Beautiful Liar." Both artists were seen smiling as they posed for photographs, with Beyoncé's husband Jay-Z also present. Shakira sported a distinctive Marine Serre half-moon print ensemble, while Beyoncé opted for a white cropped blazer over a lace jumpsuit.
Further backstage encounters included a conversation with England football legend David Beckham in a stadium corridor. Beckham was attired in a navy suit for the event, which saw Spain emerge victorious against Argentina. Shakira also shared photos with Tom Cruise, Anya Taylor-Joy, members of the K-pop group BTS, and comedian Kevin Hart.
In a suite, Shakira took selfies with MrBeast, 28, expressing her admiration for his work. "I'm such a fan of yours, for what you do for others, I wish there were more people in the world like you," she commented.
During her performance, Shakira was hailed as a "timeless beauty" by fans. She delivered a dynamic show, co-headlining the half-time festivities. The performance featured her hit "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy. Notably, her ex-husband, former professional football player Gerard Piqué, 39, was in attendance with their two sons, Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11.
This marked Shakira's fourth World Cup performance, having previously sung at events in 2006, 2010, and 2014. The song "Dai Dai" serves as the official anthem for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with record royalties directed to the fund to support education for children in underserved communities. Sony Music pledged to match the first $250,000 raised.
The singer's appearance comes after a period of personal reflection. Following her separation from Piqué, Shakira discussed in a 2024 interview with GQ Spain how her twelfth studio album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," served as a therapeutic outlet. She described the grieving process as non-linear, with her music aiding her in healing. In a June cover story for People, she shared that life lessons, even those learned from difficult relationships, contribute to personal growth and resilience. "I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be," she stated.
Shakira also expressed a deep connection to the World Cup, noting its capacity to unite people during socially and politically sensitive times. It was at the 2010 World Cup, where she performed "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," that she first met Piqué. "I have this connection with [football] that seems unbreakable," she remarked.