Shakira is a global icon, but her two sons, Milan, 13, and Sasha, 10, have become the center of her world.
At a Glance
- Milan (born Jan. 22, 2013) and Sasha (born Jan. 29, 2015) share their mother with former partner Gerard Piqué.
- The couple split in June 2022, reaching a custody agreement in November 2022.
- The family relocated from Barcelona to Miami in April 2023.
- Milan and Sasha feature in Shakira’s music videos and showcase talents in music, surfing, and sports.
- Why it matters: The singer balances fame with parenting, offering a rare glimpse into how a superstar nurtures her children.
Shakira’s journey as a mother has been candid and heartfelt. In 2015, she described motherhood as the toughest role she has ever taken on, saying, “It’s one of the most difficult things I’ve done in my life… nothing has made me so self-conscious as being a mom.” She added that every day she questions whether she is doing the right thing and strives to improve in the “hardest job on earth.”
The Family
Shakira and Gerard Piqué welcomed Milan on Jan. 22, 2013 at 9:36 p.m. in Barcelona. Their announcement highlighted Milan’s name meaning: “dear, loving and gracious” in Slavic, “eager and laborious” in Ancient Roman, and “unification” in Sanskrit. Milan also became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.
Sasha followed two years later on Jan. 29, 2015. The couple explained Sasha’s name as Greek and Russian for “defender of mankind” and “warrior.” Both boys were born in the same city, and Shakira has often shared photos of them from the hospital, noting that Sasha’s feet resemble those of his father.
Parenting Amid Separation
After the split in June 2022, Shakira emphasized protecting her children from the divorce’s impact. She told ELLE, “I try to do it and to protect them, because that’s my number one mission in life.”
Gerard Piqué, speaking to the Spanish publication El Pais in March 2023, stated he is focused on doing “what’s best for their kids” and “protecting them” from any harm. Both parents aim to provide a normal, simple life for Milan and Sasha, a goal Shakira reiterated in 2021: “We try to provide as much normalcy as we can, and live really as very simple people.”
Move to Miami
In April 2023, the family moved from Barcelona to Miami. Shakira posted on Instagram, “I settled in Barcelona to give my sons stability, the same that we are now looking for in another corner of the world besides family, friends and the sea. Today we started a new chapter in the search for happiness.” The relocation marks a fresh start for the family’s routine and environment.
Musical Involvement
Milan and Sasha made a cameo in Shakira’s “Acróstico” music video released in May 2023. The boys played the piano and sang the chorus, showcasing early musical talent. Shakira celebrated their progress on Instagram: “This year, Milan has written songs that have brought me to tears of emotion and Sasha has spent hours at the piano, finding his voice. There is nothing that makes me more fulfilled than being your mother.”
In a 2024 interview with Zane Lowe, Shakira revealed that Milan has been writing songs to process the family’s separation. She said, “I remember he wrote two beautiful songs during the whole separation process… He writes on the piano and it’s his catharsis, his therapy. I think he’s probably going to be a producer, but he’s obsessed with football.”
Sasha contributed to Shakira’s single “Monotonia” in February 2023 by creating artwork on his iPad. Shakira explained, “I didn’t like what the designers at Sony had created, and I asked Sasha what he thought about it. He said, ‘No mami, Iet me do it,’ and he started making it on his iPad.”
Sons’ Talents
- Milan:
- Surfing enthusiast (shared in a 2021 video).
- Piano player and budding songwriter.
- Dancer, appeared in an Instagram video dancing to J Balvin’s “In Da Getto” with his brother.
- Sasha:
- Surfing lessons celebrated in 2021.
- Tennis, basketball, and slide-playing showcased in a 2017 video.
- Karate champion, winning first place in a martial arts tournament in February 2022.
- Soccer player, kicking balls since six months old.
The family’s timeline highlights key milestones:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 22, 2013 | Milan born in Barcelona |
| Jan. 29, 2015 | Sasha born in Barcelona |
| June 2022 | Shakira and Piqué split |
| November 2022 | Custody agreement reached |
| March 2023 | Piqué speaks publicly about split |
| April 2023 | Family moves to Miami |
| May 2023 | “Acróstico” video featuring sons |
| February 2023 | Sasha creates artwork for “Monotonia” |
Shakira’s approach to parenting balances her global career with a desire to give Milan and Sasha a normal, supportive environment. From music videos to surf lessons, the twins are growing up under a mother who prioritizes their well-being and creative expression.
Key Takeaways
- Shakira’s public statements reveal the emotional weight of motherhood.
- The family’s move to Miami marks a new chapter in stability.
- Milan and Sasha are actively involved in music, sports, and art, reflecting a well-rounded upbringing.
- Both parents emphasize protecting the children from the divorce’s impact.
Shakira continues to navigate the challenges of fame while fostering a nurturing home for her sons, blending celebrity life with everyday parenting.
