Shakira: Biography, Age, Net Worth, Family & Career
| Last Updated: September 15, 2026 |
Table of Contents
- Who Is Shakira
- Quick Facts
- Age and Early Life
- Parents and Family Background
- Education
- Height and Weight
- Career Highlights
- Relationships and Dating History
- Kids / Children
- Net Worth 2026
- Awards and Achievements
- Philanthropy
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Related Searches
1. Who Is Shakira
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known simply as Shakira, is a Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer, often referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music." She has played a major role in popularizing Spanish-language and Hispanophone music around the world and has helped open the doors of the international pop market for other Latin artists.
2. Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll |
| Born | February 2, 1977 |
| Age | 49 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer |
| Height | 5'2" (157 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Net Worth | $300–350 million (estimated) |
| Kids | Two sons — Milan and Sasha |
| Former Partners | Antonio de la Rúa, Gerard Piqué |
3. Age and Early Life
Shakira was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, a coastal city in Colombia, making her 49 years old as of 2026. She wrote her first poem at age four and composed her first song, "Gafas Oscuras," at age eight, inspired by her father's grief after her half-brother's death. She made her professional recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at just 13 years old.
4. Parents and Family Background
Shakira is the only child of William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado. Her father is of Lebanese descent, and her mother has Catalan and Colombian roots, along with distant Italian ancestry. This mixed heritage strongly shaped her music, dance style, and cultural identity, blending Middle Eastern and Latin influences. She also has eight older half-siblings from her father's previous marriage.
5. Education
Shakira was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools in Barranquilla, including a convent secondary school, from which she graduated at age 15 — ahead of her age group academically. However, her rapidly growing music career prevented her from pursuing formal higher education or attending university.
6. Height and Weight
Shakira stands at approximately 5'2" (157 cm) tall and weighs around 53 kg (117 lbs), with widely reported body measurements of about 34-24-37 inches.
7. Career Highlights
- 1990–1993: Released debut albums Magia and Peligro, both commercial underperformers in Colombia.
- 1995: Breakthrough with Pies Descalzos, which sold over 5 million copies.
- 1998: Dónde Están los Ladrones? became an even bigger global hit.
- 2001: Laundry Service, her English-language debut, sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
- 2006: "Hips Don't Lie" became her first U.S. #1 single and one of the best-selling singles of the century.
- 2010: Performed "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- 2020: Co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Jennifer Lopez.
- 2023: "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" broke streaming records and multiple Guinness World Records.
- 2024: Released Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, followed by a record-breaking world tour.
- 2026: Performed the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy at the opening ceremony and final halftime show.
8. Relationships and Dating History
Shakira was in a long-term relationship with Argentine businessman Antonio de la Rúa from 2000 to 2010. She then began dating Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué in 2010; the couple were together for over a decade before separating in 2022. Their breakup inspired her viral diss track "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53."
9. Kids / Children
Shakira has two sons with Gerard Piqué:
- Milan Piqué Mebarak (born January 2013)
- Sasha Piqué Mebarak (born January 2015)
10. Net Worth 2026
Shakira's net worth is widely estimated between $300 million and $350 million as of 2026, according to outlets like Celebrity Net Worth and Parade. Her wealth comes primarily from:
- Album sales and music streaming royalties
- World tours, including the record-breaking Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour ($421.6 million+ in ticket sales)
- The 2021 sale of her 145-song publishing catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Fund
- Brand endorsements (including a long-running Pepsi partnership) and a fragrance line
- Her 2008 touring and promotional deal with Live Nation Entertainment
11. Awards and Achievements
Shakira has won four Grammy Awards and fifteen Latin Grammy Awards — the second-most for any female artist. She has sold over 95–125 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She was named Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in 2011, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026.
12. Philanthropy
In 1997, Shakira founded the Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos), which builds schools and provides education for underprivileged children in Colombia. As of 2026, the foundation has benefited more than 282,000 young people across over 300 public schools. She has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How old is Shakira in 2026? A: Shakira is 49 years old, born on February 2, 1977.
Q: What is Shakira's real name? A: Her full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll.
Q: How many kids does Shakira have? A: She has two sons, Milan and Sasha, with ex-partner Gerard Piqué.
Q: Who has Shakira dated? A: She was previously in relationships with Antonio de la Rúa (2000–2010) and Gerard Piqué (2010–2022).
Q: What is Shakira's net worth? A: Her net worth is estimated between $300 million and $350 million as of 2026.
Q: How tall is Shakira? A: She is approximately 5'2" (157 cm) tall.
Q: Did Shakira go to college? A: No, she did not attend university; her music career began before she could pursue higher education, though she completed secondary school at a convent school.
Q: Who are Shakira's parents? A: Her parents are William Mebarak Chadid (Lebanese descent) and Nidia Ripoll Torrado (Catalan and Colombian descent).
Q: What nationality is Shakira? A: She is Colombian, with Lebanese and Catalan/Spanish heritage.
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