The 2026 World Cup has not only provided great excitement on the field, but also memorable moments off the field. One of those moments was Shakira’s reunion with Emilio and Gloria Estefan—a friendship that has remained strong for nearly three decades and was once again on full display during the match between Argentina and Cape Verde.
The Colombian singer attended the event accompanied by her children and shared one of the stadium’s VIP boxes with Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, her daughter Emily, and her grandson Sasha. The photos posted by both parties quickly sparked nostalgia among their fans, who recalled the close bond that has united them since the beginning of the Barranquilla native’s international career.
Emilio Estefan himself accompanied the photos with a heartfelt message on Instagram in which he expressed how proud he is of the artist.
“So many memories and so much pride. Shakira deserves all the success in the world. To have seen her from the very beginning, full of dreams, and to see that she was able to make them all come true,” wrote the music producer.
Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Key Figures in Shakira’s Rise to International Fame
The story between Shakira and the Estefan family began in the late 1990s, when the singer was looking to expand her career beyond the Latin American market.
At that time, Emilio Estefan played a key role in establishing the artist’s career, participating in some of the projects that would mark the beginning of her rise to international fame.
Next came *Servicio de lavandería*, the album with which Shakira finally conquered the English-speaking market and established herself as a global star.
Gloria Estefan’s support was also crucial in that process; she encouraged the singer to write and perform songs in English when she still had doubts about her ability to do so.
During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Gloria recalled that it was she who encouraged Shakira to take that important step.
“I told him, ‘Shaki, these songs… I’m going to translate a few so you can see how they work.’ I showed him that I could do it, and then everything took off,” the Cuban-American singer said as she recalled those early years of collaboration.
Over time, their professional relationship evolved into a very close friendship that also involves their respective families.
Although they no longer work together regularly in the recording studio, the Estefans have remained a part of some of the most important moments in Shakira’s personal and professional life.
That support was particularly evident in 2023, when the singer decided to settle permanently in Miami following her separation from Gerard Piqué.
At that time, Shakira shared a photo of herself with Emilio Estefan, along with the message: “Reuniting with the family.”
The producer’s response was not long in coming.
“We’ll always love you, Shak. We welcome you with open arms because we’re your family. You know you’ll always have support and a home here,” Emilio wrote, making clear the deep affection between them.
A bond strengthened over the years
Their recent meeting during the 2026 World Cup reaffirmed that their friendship remains as strong as it was when they began working together nearly thirty years ago.
Beyond the photos and messages shared on social media, the image symbolizes the mutual affection that has grown over decades of successes, personal challenges, and defining moments in the singer’s life.
For many of Shakira’s fans, the Estefans represent a fundamental part of the artist’s history—not only because they helped launch her international career, but also because they remained close to her even as she went through some of the most challenging periods of her life.
Now, the World Cup has brought them together again in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, reminding us that some relationships transcend music, the stage, and the passage of time. The friendship between Shakira, Emilio, and Gloria Estefan has become an example of loyalty and unconditional support—a story that continues to add new chapters and still moves those who have closely followed the Colombian artist’s career since her early years of international success.