Colombian pop star Shakira and her partner, Spanish football star Gerard Piqué, are separating.
“We are sorry to confirm that we are separating,” the couple said in a statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm.
“For the well-being of our children, which is our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy.
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“Thanks for your understanding.”
Shakira, 45, met the 35-year-old Barcelona defender while promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
The couple has two children, Sasha and Milan.
Shakira, Pique and their children at an NBA game in 2017. Credit: James Devaney / Getty Images
In recent days, rumors of the disappearance of the relationship of the 11-year-old couple had taken hold of the Spanish media, fueled by reports that Piqué had left the family home in Barcelona and lived alone in the city.
According to local reports, Piqué had been caught in bed with another woman.
For a decade, the two were portrayed as the two halves of a happy partnership that allowed both of them to continue to thrive as extremely popular personalities.
Piqué is considered one of the best defenders of his time in world football, starting as a center in the final of the 2010 World Cup in Spain over the Netherlands, while Shakira is known for her hits Hips Don’t Lie and Whenever, Wherever.
Shakira and Gerard Piqué cheer on Rafael Nadal at the 2019 US Open. Credit: Gotham / GC Images
The separation now comes with Shakira and Pique facing their own legal issues.
Shakira is facing a possible trial for tax fraud in Spain.
Prosecutors have accused him of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($ 21.5 million) in income taxes between 2012 and 2014.
She has denied any wrongdoing and her public relations firm says she has returned everything she owed.
Singer Shakira and footballer Gerard Piqué are ending their 11-year relationship. Credit: AP
Piqué, meanwhile, has been implicated in an investigation by Spanish prosecutors investigating the contracts behind the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The audios leaked to the Spanish media indicate that a company run by Piqué has received commissions worth several million euros for its participation in bringing the tournament to the Middle East.
Piqué denies any crime or conflict of interest despite having played in the Super Cup.
Piqué has also launched several business initiatives, although he remains a leading footballer in Spain.
The Spanish sports media see him as a future president of Futbol Club Barcelona after completing his playing career.