Renewed Closeness

Shakira took her kids to meet Antonio de la Rúa, reuniting 14 years after their headline-grabbing split


The artist was seen with the man who inspired her hit song, "Día de Enero"


Shakira and Antonio de la Rua (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)© FilmMagic
AUGUST 20, 2025 4:53 PM EDT

Shakira is once again in the headlines, but this time it's not just because of her powerhouse performances on the "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour. The Colombian superstar was spotted sharing a cozy dinner in San Diego with none other than Antonio de la Rúa, her ex-partner of more than a decade. 

The intimate evening, which was also attended by her children, Sasha and Milan, and her brother Tonino, has fueled speculation that the former couple may be rekindling their bond.

© © WireImage
Antonio de la Rúa served as Shakira's manager during a key moment in her career, when it was blowing up internationally

The Viral Encounter

A video circulating online shows Shakira smiling and relaxed beside Antonio at an exclusive restaurant, sending fans and media outlets into a frenzy. Their reunion comes just days after Shakira's emotional concert in Tijuana, Mexico, where she stunned fans by performing "Día de enero," a deeply personal song she wrote for Antonio during their years together. 

Before singing, she dedicated the song "to those friends who are always there," a remark that many interpreted as a subtle nod to Antonio.

Signs of Renewed Closeness

This sighting isn't entirely out of the blue. Since 2024, sharp-eyed fans have noticed small but telling gestures hinting at a reconnection. One of the first clues came when Antonio quietly "liked" one of Shakira's Mother's Day posts. Since then, the hints have only grown stronger. Shakira has been seen engaging warmly not just with Antonio but also with his family. 

Earlier this year, during her tour stop in Argentina, she invited Zulu, Antonio's daughter, to share the stage in a special moment that left fans buzzing about their evolving bond.

In 2025, after soaking up the Uruguayan sun in Punta del Este, the global superstar packed her bags and took her two sons to Mexico, where she performed 11 concerts across three cities. 

© © RS Fotos/The Grosby Group
Shakira and her sons depart Punta del Este to continue her world tour en route to Mexico. At this point she was staying in La Colorada, a countryside mansion belonging to her ex-boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, who rumors say, she has designated as her business manager for the tour.

While in Punta del Este, she wasn't staying at any luxe hideaway. She was reportedly crashing at La Colorada, a countryside mansion belonging to her ex, Antonio de la Rúa. And if that wasn't juicy enough, rumor has it she's tapped him as her business manager for the tour. 

© © RS Fotos/The Grosby Group
La Colorada, a countryside mansion belonging to her ex-boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua.

Shakira and Antonio: A Relationship That Shaped a Superstar

Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa's romance began in 2000, long before the singer's name became synonymous with global pop dominance. Their partnership wasn't just romantic; Antonio, son of Argentina's former president, was a strategic advisor who played a vital role in shaping Shakira's career. 

Together, they mapped out her leap into the English-speaking market, culminating in the release of "Laundry Service" (2001). The album featured hits like "Whenever, Wherever," propelling Shakira to international superstardom.

© © Getty Images for CineVegas
Shakira’s ex Antonio de la Rúa steps into a surprising new role in her life

For more than a decade, the couple was inseparable, and their love story and professional alliance became one of the most talked-about partnerships in Latin entertainment.

A Breakup Marked by Conflict

Despite their strong history, the relationship ended abruptly and was rocky in 2011. What was initially described as a temporary separation escalated into a permanent split, followed by bitter legal battles. Antonio claimed entitlement to 18% of Shakira's earnings during his time as her advisor, citing his strategic vision in her global rise. Shakira countered with her lawsuit for damages. While details of their eventual settlement remain private, the disputes painted their breakup as one of the messiest in music history.

Fast forward 14 years, and the sight of Shakira and Antonio laughing together in San Diego has fans questioning whether time has healed old wounds. The fact that Shakira's children and brother reportedly joined the dinner adds to the perception that this reunion wasn't just casual. Instead, it hints at a more profound reconnection rooted in family and friendship.

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