Shakira’s latest public appearances have reignited speculation about a new romantic connection, this time with Spanish actor Manuel García-Rulfo, according to multiple Bulgarian media outlets. While neither party has confirmed the relationship, photos of the two together—circulating widely across social media—have fueled fan theories and tabloid interest.
Why the speculation matters: García-Rulfo, best known for his roles in films like Y Tu Mamá También and The Platform, has a history of high-profile relationships, including a past romance with Mexican actress and singer Eiza González. Shakira, meanwhile, has kept her personal life relatively private since her 2019 separation from soccer star Gerard Piqué. The timing of these photos—shared across platforms like Instagram and TikTok—coincides with Shakira’s ongoing legal battles and a reported resurgence in her public appearances.
Who is Manuel García-Rulfo, and what’s his connection to Shakira?
García-Rulfo, 46, is a veteran actor with a career spanning over two decades. His most recent work includes the Netflix series Elite, where he played a prominent role in Season 5. Sources including ladyzone.bg and Dir.bg note that photos of Shakira and García-Rulfo together have surfaced in recent weeks, with the couple seen dining in Barcelona and attending public events. While no official statements have been made, the frequency of their appearances side by side has led to widespread assumption of a romantic involvement.
Shakira, 50, has been navigating a highly publicized legal separation from Piqué, which concluded in 2022 after years of media scrutiny. Her recent solo appearances—including a performance at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in May—have been framed as a return to her career and public life post-divorce. The actor’s team has not responded to inquiries, and Shakira’s representatives have similarly declined to comment on the rumors.
How are fans and media reacting to the reports?
The speculation has dominated Bulgarian and Spanish-language entertainment coverage, with outlets like Dnes.bg and Tialoto framing the story as a potential “love triangle” given García-Rulfo’s past relationships. On social media, fans have mixed reactions: some celebrate the possibility of Shakira’s new romance, while others express skepticism, pointing to the lack of official confirmation.
One recurring theme in fan discussions is the contrast between Shakira’s past relationships—often highly publicized—and her current approach to privacy. Unlike her earlier high-profile romances with Antonio de la Ruta or Piqué, this connection, if real, appears to be unfolding with minimal public commentary from either party.
The actor’s Instagram account, which has over 1.2 million followers, has not posted any new content since the rumors began circulating, adding to the ambiguity. Shakira’s own social media presence remains focused on her music and legal proceedings, with no direct acknowledgment of the speculation.
What’s next for Shakira and García-Rulfo?
With no official statements from either party, the next steps hinge on whether they choose to address the rumors publicly. García-Rulfo is set to appear in the upcoming film Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders, which begins filming later this year. Shakira, meanwhile, is reportedly working on new music and has hinted at a potential tour in 2025.
For now, the speculation remains unconfirmed. But given the history of both figures’ careers—and the cultural weight of their public personas—the story is likely to persist until further notice.
