Shakira captivated audiences with her performance at the World Cup final on Sunday, drawing widespread praise for her enduring looks. Fans on social media platform X expressed disbelief at the 49-year-old singer's youthful appearance, with many calling her a "timeless beauty."
For the performance, the singer sported a vibrant pink and yellow sequined custom Roberto Cavalli bodysuit adorned with Swarovski crystals, showcasing her toned abs. She performed her hit song "Dai Dai" alongside Burna Boy. Notably, her ex-husband Gerard Piqué, 39, was in attendance with their two sons, Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11.
Fans online humorously noted Shakira's extensive history with the tournament, with one comment reading, "#Shakira in a #FIFAWorldCup final with #Spain and Gerard Pique is not. Now come to think of it, Shakira has been to more World Cups than Pique has." Shakira has a long-standing association with the World Cup, having performed at four of the last six tournaments. Her previous appearances include "Hips Don't Lie" at the 2006 closing ceremony in Germany, "Waka Waka" in South Africa in 2010, and "La La La" in Brazil in 2014.
Online commentary highlighted Shakira's apparent lack of aging, with users remarking, "I can’t believe Shakira is 49 years old. She looks 30!" and "Shakira is 49, but honestly, she looks unbelievably young and beautiful. She’s one of those rare women who seem to get even more stunning with age. Her beauty, energy, and charm are simply timeless."
Even former footballer Roy Keane acknowledged her performance, stating, "It was a bit of an anti-climax, but I think the people in the stadium probably enjoyed it more than us. But it’s always nice to see Shakira."
Spain ultimately won the 2026 World Cup, defeating Argentina in extra time with a goal from Ferran Torres. The song "Dai Dai" serves as the official anthem for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Shakira collaborated with Global Citizen and FIFA on the song, with royalties designated to support educational access for children in underserved communities. Sony Music has pledged to match the initial $250,000 raised for the fund.
Shakira's personal life has also been a subject of public discussion, particularly her past relationship with Piqué. The couple's separation reportedly followed allegations of infidelity on Piqué's part. In a 2024 interview with GQ Spain, Shakira shared how her twelfth studio album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," served as a coping mechanism during her mourning period after the breakup. She described the creative process as a form of healing, acknowledging that grief is a non-linear process.
In a June cover story for People, Shakira reflected on the heartbreak from her split with Piqué, stating that every experience offers a lesson and that gratitude extends even to those who cause scars, as these lessons ultimately foster personal growth. She added that she feels stronger now than she previously believed herself to be.
Regarding her connection to the World Cup, Shakira remarked, "Every World Cup is really magical, and I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically." Her relationship with football is described as "unbreakable," a sentiment underscored by her meeting Piqué at the 2010 World Cup where she performed "Waka Waka."