Key Highlights:
- Entertainment reports link Colombian music icon Shakira romantically to former NBA champion Serge Ibaka following sightings and private flights together.
- Journalist Jordi Martín reported the potential romance on Univision’s El Gordo y la Flaca, citing sources close to both figures.
- Conflicting accounts have emerged, with other sources insisting Shakira and Serge Ibaka are currently maintaining only a close friendship.
Rumors Link Shakira to Former NBA Champion Serge Ibaka
Colombian superstar Shakira has once again become the center of international media attention, with fresh speculation focusing on her private life following her split from former FC Barcelona soccer player Gerard Piqué. According to reports aired on the program “El Gordo y la Flaca” on the American network Univision, Shakira may be embarking on a romantic connection with another prominent sports figure: 37-year-old former NBA veteran Serge Ibaka.
The claims were initially shared exclusively by journalist Jordi Martín, who stated, “Everything seems to indicate that “She Wolf” has a new suitor, and it is none other than Serge Ibaka”
. The Congolese-born athlete, who holds Spanish nationality, has seen his name tied to Shakira’s as the singer concluded a critically acclaimed and commercially successful concert residency in Madrid.
Sightings in Madrid, Fashion Week Trips, and Conflicting Claims
Details regarding the nature of the duo’s interactions indicate they have crossed paths multiple times in Europe. Serge Ibaka reportedly attended several of Shakira’s concerts during her stay in Madrid. Furthermore, Jordi Martín reported that the pair traveled together on a private jet, with at least one trip taking them to Paris during the city’s high-profile fashion week.
However, differing perspectives on the relationship have surfaced within the Spanish press. “While rumors suggest that there could be something more than just a simple friendship between the two, sources close to the Colombian admit that they have gone out together several times but are only friends,”
reported the newspaper La Razón, referencing reporting from entertainment journalist Aurelio Manzanero.
Journalist Jordi Martín Reveals Insider Inquiries
Despite the conflicting claims regarding their status, Jordi Martín elaborated on his investigation into the pairing across industry circles. Describing his initial inquiries into Shakira’s camp, the journalist detailed the responses he received:
“I found out a few days ago, I picked up the phone, I started calling people in Shakira’s circle. There is one person who tells me “wow, well yes, it is true that we see her excited, but we don’t know the name,””
Jordi Martín stated.
Martín further explained how he tracked down the basketball player’s identity via mutual contacts, adding: ‘When I find out elsewhere who he is, I then see that I have a mutual person on Instagram. I call that person, who is a friend of mine, and he says “gosh, how do you know, Jordi? He told me personally”,’
he said. He finalized his reporting with additional confirmation, admitting: “I receive a call from a person who has very good information confirming that this could be real. I mean, calling Ibaka her boyfriend is a big deal,”
Athletic Background and Past High-Profile Romances
Serge Ibaka boasts an extensive athletic pedigree. A long-time NBA presence, he played for franchises including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks, alongside a championship run with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. In Spain, he also previously suited up for Real Madrid Baloncesto—the direct rival to FC Barcelona, the longtime club of Shakira’s former partner, Gerard Piqué. Ibaka is currently a free agent without a team.
Prior to being linked to Shakira, Ibaka was involved in public relationships with prominent figures in the entertainment and fashion industries, including French fashion model Cindy Bruna and American recording artist and actress Keri Hilson.
Why This Matters
Following her highly publicized separation from Gerard Piqué in 2022, Shakira’s personal life has remained under relentless international scrutiny, even as she re-established her dominance in the music industry with major charting hits and global live dates. Connecting her to Serge Ibaka bridges major entertainment and sports spheres, especially given Ibaka’s history with Real Madrid, the historic rival to Piqué’s longtime club Barcelona. While the exact boundaries of their relationship remain debated between close-friendship claims and blossoming romance, any public sighting involving the global pop icon continues to draw massive international interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Serge Ibaka?
Serge Ibaka is a 37-year-old professional basketball player of Congolese origin and Spanish nationality. He played across several NBA teams, winning an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and also had a tenure with Real Madrid’s basketball team.
Are Shakira and Serge Ibaka officially dating?
While journalist Jordi Martín reported on Univision’s El Gordo y la Flaca that they could be starting a romantic relationship and have traveled together, sources cited by the Spanish outlet La Razón contend that Shakira and Ibaka have spent time together purely as friends.
Where have Shakira and Serge Ibaka reportedly spent time together?
Reports note that Ibaka attended several of Shakira’s residency performances in Madrid, and the two reportedly shared private jet flights, including a journey to Paris during fashion week.
