Shakira has returned to her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, where she was spotted by Zona Cero on Thursday afternoon visiting her ailing father, William Mebarak Chadid. The ‘Loba’ was seen walking in athletic wear alongside her 95-year-old father, who was in a wheelchair and accompanied by three nurses, as the singer takes a break from the biggest tour of her career, Las mujeres ya no lloran, to be with family.
This is the first time Shakira’s presence in Barranquilla this week has been visually confirmed, though rumors swirled since Monday. The trip comes amid reports of new health complications for Mebarak, whose condition has been a source of concern for his family and fans, especially following a string of health scares in recent years.
A Daughter’s Return Amid Health Concerns
Images captured by Zona Cero show the intimate scene: Shakira, dressed simply in white sportswear, holds her father’s hand as he is carefully moved by his medical team. The trio of nurses—two women and one man—assisted the family patriarch during what appears to be a trip outside a medical facility in the northern part of the city. While the exact nature of Mebarak’s current health issue remains unconfirmed, the visible support suggests a need for ongoing care.
But the math tells a different story. The timing of this visit is significant. Recently, Shakira completed a Madrid residency as part of her Las mujeres ya no lloran tour, a series of 13 concerts that drew over 700,000 fans and generated an economic impact exceeding 200 million euros in the Spanish capital.
Shakira Visits Her Father in Barranquilla
- Shakira is in Barranquilla, confirmed by Zona Cero, to support her father, William Mebarak, amid new but unconfirmed health issues.
- The visit follows her Las mujeres ya no lloran tour’s Madrid residency, which drew over 700,000 fans.
- The family has issued no official statement on Mebarak’s condition, leaving details unconfirmed.
The Fragile Legacy of William Mebarak
William Mebarak’s health has been a recurring story, a silent counterpoint to his daughter’s global triumphs. Revista Semana reports that the patriarch, who turned 95 on September 6, has faced several serious medical challenges. In 2024, he was hospitalized in intensive care with severe pneumonia, and later underwent brain surgery to treat hydrocephalia. More recently, in May 2026, he suffered an ischemic episode, a reduction of blood flow to the brain, that required hospitalization.
In May 2022, his hospitalization in Barcelona coincided with the first public rumors of Shakira’s separation from Gerard Piqué, a moment that became a tabloid spectacle. This history suggests that every health update for Mebarak is not just a private family matter, but a piece of a much larger public narrative.
Shakira's Father Seen in Wheelchair
Shakira was seen in Barranquilla visiting her father, William Mebarak Chadid, who was in a wheelchair. The presence of a medical escort, the police motorcades noted by Univisión, and the careful choreography of her movements are not typical for a casual family visit.
| Year | Health Event | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Fall and hospitalization in Barcelona | Coincided with separation rumors from Piqué |
| 2023 | Brain surgery for hydrocephalia in Cartagena | Implantation of a valve for treatment |
| 2024 | Severe pneumonia, ICU stay | Released after several days of supervision |
| 2026 | Ischemic episode, hospitalization | Reduction of blood flow to the brain |
Family Issues No Statement on Health Rumors
As the story develops, one crucial question remains unanswered: what is the official status of William Mebarak’s health? Despite multiple reports from reputable outlets, neither Shakira nor her family has issued a public confirmation or denial of the rumors.
