Milan, Shakira’s eldest son, melts hearts in his role as a big brother to the Ghetto Kids

Shakira’s collaboration with the Ghetto Kids during the 2026 FIFA World Cup turned into something far more meaningful than a professional partnership. The young dancers from Uganda touched the singer deeply, and she grew so close to them that she said she now loves them “as if they were my own children.”

© Lars Baron

On social media, the singer shared a heartfelt message dedicated to the children, along with a carousel of photos that showed her eldest son, Milan, stepping naturally into the role of “big brother” as the kids found in him a playmate and partner in all kinds of adventures.

On Instagram, still clearly moved by their time together, Shakira posted what amounted to a love letter to the children, saying the past few days had been nothing short of magical. Not only did they build a lasting friendship, but she also gave them unforgettable experiences, including their very first trip to the beach.

“These past few days have been filled with an indescribable kind of love. I took them to the beach for the first time in their lives, and we spent every day together, surrounded by family and friends, amazed by the way they transform every place they visit and touch the hearts of everyone they meet.

© @shakira

Saying goodbye was incredibly difficult because of the way you give and receive love, something I’ve never experienced before. It not only brightened our days but also reminded us of the miracle that happens when we let our guard down and open our hearts to do the same.

You showed us that we can love one another regardless of where we come from or what we have, or don’t have. Even though you’re from another continent, live in a different culture, and speak another language, I now love you as if you were my own children. Spending this time with you has reminded me once again that every child in the world deserves to be loved and cared for as if they were our own.

Children come into this world through their mothers and fathers, but they are all of our responsibility; they belong to all of us. Ivan, Ricky, Joseph, Brighton, Kesha, Jojo, Ciara, and Ketra: thank you for being exactly who you are, for teaching us life’s most valuable lessons, and for reminding us of our purpose. We love you, always and forever. ❤️”

© @shakira

Among the photos she shared, one especially stood out: a sweet moment featuring her 13-year-old son, Milan, whom she shares with ex-partner Gerard Piqué, acting as both caretaker and playmate for the Ghetto Kids.

During rehearsals for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final and in the days that followed, Shakira and her sons spent time with the group, taking them sightseeing and exploring some of the best-known attractions in both Miami and New York.

© Shakira

In the photo, Milan, dressed in jeans and a navy blue polo shirt, is carrying one of the young dancers on his back. The child looks completely at ease, and all smiles, as the two enjoy the moment together.

Milan and Sasha become the Ghetto Kids’ playmates

In photos shared a few days earlier, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, Shakira was seen exploring New York City with the group.

The Colombian superstar appeared alongside the Ghetto Kids and her own sons, 13-year-old Milan and 11-year-old Sasha, as they toured the Big Apple, including a visit to Times Square and nearby landmarks. In one photo, Milan is seen wrapping his arms around two of the young Ugandan dancers, making it clear that, just like his mother, he had formed a special bond with them.

© @shakira

In the caption accompanying those photos, the 49-year-old singer said the Ghetto Kids had changed their lives.

“The @ghettokids_tfug from Uganda have changed our lives. Spending time with them has been magical, and they’ve taught us so much! I’m so happy to finally have them here in New York dancing with me at the FIFA World Cup Final!"

© @shakira