Brace yourselves, Black Cosmopolitans — Shakira is back, and she’s about to make history. In a candid new PEOPLE cover story, the global superstar gets real about reclaiming her power, embracing motherhood and making her mark on the world’s biggest stage.
As Shakira prepares to co-headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup on July 19, she reflects on the personal and professional challenges that led her to this watershed moment. “I’ve been through so much, but I feel stronger and more in control of my life than ever before,” she tells the magazine. “This isn’t just a performance — it’s a declaration.”
That declaration will be heard loud and clear when Shakira graces the pitch in front of a global audience of billions. It’s a far cry from the personal upheaval she faced just a few years ago, when a heartbreaking split from her longtime partner rocked her world. “I hit rock bottom. I didn’t know if I had the strength to get back up,” she admits. “But then I looked at my kids, and I knew I had to keep going, for them.”
Motherhood has been a guiding light for Shakira, who shares two young children with her ex. “Being a mom has given me a whole new perspective. It’s made me braver, more resilient and more in touch with what really matters,” she says. “I want my kids to see me on that stage, leaving it all out there. I want them to know that no matter what life throws at you, you can always find the power to reinvent yourself.”
And reinvent herself, Shakira has. Her captivating halftime show will blend her signature Latin rhythms with global anthems, paying homage to her multicultural roots. “This isn’t just about me — it’s about celebrating the power and diversity of the entire African diaspora,” she explains. “I want to show the world that we are a force to be reckoned with.”
With the world watching, Shakira is poised to make good on that promise. From the ashes of heartbreak, she has risen stronger, wiser and more committed than ever to using her platform for profound impact. “I’ve never felt more grounded, more intentional or more ready to leave my mark,” she declares. “The stage is set. Now it’s time to make history.”
