Shakira’s kids react to Candela Márquez, Alejandro Sanz’s ex: 'She looks just like you'

Shakira and Alejandro Sanz have shared a close friendship for decades. That dynamic comes through in a now-viral moment from "Cuando Nadie Me Ve," Sanz’s new documentary, offering a look into his life beyond the studio and the stage. In the clip, Shakira meets Sanz’s then-partner, Candela Márquez, and reveals what her children thought of the actress.

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Dressed casually, Shakira is seen boarding a plane, where she's greeteed Sanz and Márquez. She immediately approaches Candela, introducing herself warmly and hugging her. This appears to be the first time they're meeting.

Shakira then turns to Sanz and says, smiling, “My kids told me, ‘Alejandro’s girlfriend looks just like you.’” Sanz reacts with amused surprise, glancing between the two women. 

Fans had made similar observations, pointing out the resemblance between Shakira and Candela, particularly when it comes to their blonde, wavy, and voluminous hair. The comparisons also reignited long-running chatter about Shakira and Sanz, who've sparked rumors of romance that they haven't been able to shut down ever since their 2005 hit song on "La Tortura."

Alejandro Sanz and Candela Márquez’s breakup

Late last year, news broke that Sanz and Márquez had ended their relationship after a year together, shortly after celebrating the singer’s 57th birthday. Following months of rumors and affectionate exchanges on social media, the couple made their red-carpet debut at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2024. 

In the months that followed, they were frequently seen together and shared highlights of their time as a couple online. Sanz even described himself as being “in a very beautiful moment,” praising Márquez as “an incredible woman.” That happiness, however, did not last.

© Dimitrios Kambouris

Sanz's response to Candela’s posts

After the breakup became public, Márquez shared Instagram posts quoting lyrics from Rosalía’s song "La Perla," including lines like “local disappointment,” “national heartbreaker,” and “emotional terrorist," lyrics that are widely believed to reference Rosalía’s ex, Rauw Alejandro. 

Hours later, Sanz posted on X, “I’m not a pearl, I’m an ocean,” a message that he later deleted. 

This week, at the Madrid premiere of Cuando Nadie Me Ve, Sanz was asked about his controversial comment. Laughing, he said: “Do you know who John Malone is? Look him up,” before stepping away from reporters. He offered no further explanation, saying only that he’s happy and “in a good place” in his life, choosing not to revisit that chapter publicly.

© John Parra