Footballer Gerard Pique has split from Shakira in a relationship that saw each star hit headlines in more ways than one.
The Colombian pop star, 45, announced the couple had split amid unconfirmed reports suggested Pique had cheated on her, which neither of the pair has commented on. Other reports claim they were in an open relationship.
They were recently spotted together watching their son play baseball and will reportedly stay friends, bringing an end to a relationship of 11 years.
It hasn't been a good few months for Pique on and off the pitch, with his Barcelona team failing to secure any silverware this season and needing a big rebuilding project in the summer after losing Lionel Messi at the start of the season.
Some cruel jokes emerged on Twitter, including one user who said that things have gone wrong since Pique, 35, tweeted "we are back" on March 20 following his Barcelona side's crushing 4-0 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Gerard Pique cleared of tax accusations
14 clubs who play in the league of completely different country – from Cardiff to Monaco
Gerard Pique had a court ruling that he had to pay just under £1.8million in back taxes and fines annulled in 2021. The court said the company Pique set up with his brother to handle his image rights, Kerad Project, was legitimate.
A court in 2016 had ruled Pique had avoided taxes in 2008, 2009 and 2010. This ruling was then upheld in 2019 in Spain's top criminal court, the National Court, but the Barcelona defender appealed successfully.
What is Shakira accused of?
Shakira could stand trial after the Barcelona High Court rejected the appeal to have allegations of tax fraud against her dismissed.
The Hips Don't Lie singer, who has denied any wrongdoing, is accused of avoiding tax payments between 2012 and 2014 to the tune of around £12.3mil. The court ruled she was "a habitual resident in Spain", despite her official residence being in the Bahamas.
An earlier ruling from July 2021 said there was "sufficient evidence of criminality" for the case to go to trial.
It has been reported a deal with the Prosecutor’s Office may be reached, but she may have to go to trial if not.
Shakira's team said: "Shakira’s conduct on tax matters has always been impeccable in all the countries where she has had to pay taxes, and she has trusted and faithfully followed the recommendations of the best specialists and expert advisors."
Why did Gerard Pique and Shakira split?
Gerard Pique and Shakira split following rumours of difficulties in their relationships and unconfirmed accusations that Pique cheated on the Colombian singer. Neither of the pair has commented on the rumours.
The couple were together for 11 years and have two children together, though did not get married.
Despite the rumours, a statement released via Shakira's publicist made no accusation that the Spain defender had been unfaithful.
It read: "We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy.
"Thank you for your understanding."
They first got together in 2010 when Pique was training ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Shakira's Waka Waka single was the tournament's official song.
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