Shakira made a major statement about education, soccer, and children’s futures while speaking onstage during a special announcement at Global Citizen Now. HOLA! accompanied the Colombian singer during a press event, when she unveiled the deeper purpose behind “Dai Dai,” describing the song as far more than a FIFA World Cup anthem.
Speaking passionately to the audience, Shakira connected music, sports, and education into one powerful message centered on opportunity for children worldwide. “‘Dai Dai’ is much more than a World Cup song,” Shakira said during the event. “It’s a message for every child who’s once been told that their dream is too big. And this song also honors football legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, Messi.”
She continued by reflecting on the determination shared by some of the sport’s greatest names and why their journeys matter beyond the sport. “We need to remind us that every champion started as a child, struggled, but didn’t give up,” she explained. “And it takes a village to raise a child, provide our children with the opportunities that they deserve, and that opportunity, the most valuable one that we can offer today is education.”
During the summit, Shakira emphasized that education remains one of the causes closest to her heart because she has witnessed firsthand how access to learning can reshape communities. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes how education transforms the lives of kids and communities,” she said. “Here’s that I worked on education, it’s one of the things that I enjoy the most because you really see the changes. You really see it’s really tangible.”
© Getty ImagesThe singer also announced that she is donating all proceeds from the song to FIFA-related educational efforts. “I’m donating 100% of the proceeds of ‘Dai Dai’ to the FIFA,” she revealed during the announcement.
FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
FIFA’s first halftime show, which includes performances by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS, will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a major initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and soccer opportunities for children worldwide.
© Getty Images for Global CitizenSo far, the Education Fund has already raised more than $30 million. FIFA also confirmed that $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be donated throughout the tournament to continue building momentum.
Shakira’s foundation work and humanitarian efforts
Shakira has long used her platform to champion education initiatives globally through her foundation work and humanitarian efforts. In 2019, the singer’s foundation, Pies Descalzos. honored one of its first graduating classes in Shakira’s hometown, Barranquilla.
© GettyImages“67 students of Pies Descalzos graduated this Saturday in Barranquilla,” she began her moving message. “Instead of ending up in delinquency or using drugs, many of them are on their way to universities and will become upstanding citizens in their communities thanks to their access to a good education,” Shakira said. The mom of two created the foundation in the 90s after worrying about children in vulnerable environments.
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