Osvaldo Ríos, the Puerto Rican actor who briefly dated Colombian singer Shakira, has opened up about their past romance during the late 1990s, shedding light on their intimate connection and the reasons they never married.
Appearing on the podcast "Cara a cara con Rodner Figueroa," Ríos discussed his relationship with Shakira, which blossomed when the singer was just starting her career. At the time, she was 20 years old, and he was 36, leading to both admiration and skepticism from the public due to their 16-year age difference.
Reflecting on their time together, Ríos emphasized the emotional and even mystical nature of their bond. "Aportó mucho aprendizaje en mi vida. Me di cuenta de que puedo tener una pareja y una conexión que no tenga que ver con el aspecto físico, sino con el emocional, y disfrutarlo de la misma manera," Ríos stated, illustrating the depth of their relationship beyond mere physical attraction.
Despite the strong feelings between them, Ríos revealed they considered marriage at one point. "Queríamos casarnos y todo, pero pensé que no era lo más prudente porque vi lo que venía, y dije: 'esta ave tiene que volar bien alto,'" he explained, noting his awareness of Shakira's burgeoning success at the time.
During their relationship, which lasted roughly one year around 1997, Ríos and Shakira shared experiences across several beautiful locations — from Paris to Brazil and Puerto Rico. They cultivated a strong emotional bond, often attending religious events together, as Shakira was known for her devotion to the Virgin Mary. Ríos noted, "La relación con ella fue muy espiritual porque ella era muy devota de la Virgen; íbamos a muchos eventos religiosos."
Ríos mentioned how their connection was not based on physicality but rather on shared experiences and mutual respect. "Fui muy correcto, me porté muy bien," he recalled, reflecting on the importance of their camaraderie during their dates, often with family members accompanying them. He recalled trips with Shakira's brother, Tonino, emphasizing the traditional and tight-knit nature of her Lebanese family.
Following their breakup, Ríos took the sentimental route, dedicATING poetry to Shakira, with one poignant verse finding its way to her song "No creo," from the beloved album ¿Dónde están los ladrones?. The verse reads: "Quiero ser tu firmamento, de tu boca una canción, de tus alas siempre ser el viento," encapsulating the essence of their deep connection.
Several years later, Shakira would enter long-term relationships with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rúa and Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares two children, Sasha and Milan. Her highly publicized separation from Piqué, which became rife with rumors of infidelity, culminated in the singer's current status as single.
Though Ríos and Shakira’s romantic chapter was relatively brief, their time together marked significant personal growth for both. Ríos expressed how the relationship taught him to value emotional intimacy and connection, something he has carried forward. Meanwhile, Shakira has evolved alongside her extensive successes, establishing herself as one of the globe's most prominent artists. Their paths may have diverged, but the impact of their relationship remains evident, echoing through their artistic expressions over the decades.
