Shakira shares truth she learned about herself after Hollywood fame

Shakira is reflecting on professional and personal growth she's had over the years being in the spotlight.

The 49-year-old singer recently went over details of the music video for her and Nigerian singer Burna Boy’s new single Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be,” Shakira, 49, began in a new interview with People Magazine.

The single mom-of-two is now breaking records on her biggest tour yet and making history by co-headlining the first-ever World Cup Final halftime show on July 19, along with Madonna and BTS.

“Behind every experience in life, there’s always a lesson, and we have to be grateful for all those lessons, even for the people that leave you with scars,” she told the magazine, “because they just make us better.”

“I had to really fight for my dreams,” she added of her journey. Looking back, the Colombia native shared an advice for her younger self. “I would say to that girl back in her 20s to enjoy more, to believe in herself more. I think women, as time goes by, we just acquire this new confidence.

She added, "Even though we don’t look as perfect as in our 20s, it’s beautiful to just be yourself and accept who you are.”

She also opened up about her charitable endeavours that continue to support kids growing up with less than she did.

“It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big,” added Shakira, 100% of whose royalties from the new single Dai Dai will go to FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

She continued, “And to remind us that every champion started out as a kid who perhaps went through hardship and struggles, but there was someone that believed in them, and that’s why they didn’t give up.”

Shakira first performed at the World Cup 20 years ago, with her first official World Cup song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) during the tournament’s closing ceremony in 2010, which is also when she met retired Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, 39, and later welcomed sons Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11, together.

The four-time Grammy winner has faced several personal challenges in the public eye in recent years, including her high-profile split from Piqué over his alleged infidelity. There was also the multimillion-dollar tax-fraud case in Spain, which she recently won.

While she’s still planning her World Cup halftime performance, Shakira said, “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”.