According to him, his nearly year-long romance with Shakira was ‘a relationship beyond physical’

Puerto Rican actor Osvaldo Ríos, known for his starring roles in hit telenovelas like “La Viuda de Blanco,” opened up about a defining chapter of his life: his relationship with Colombian superstar Shakira. As a special guest on the podcast “Cara a Cara con Rodner Figueroa,” the actor shared heartfelt details about their romance, which spanned nearly a year when he was 36 and she was just 20.

Although Osvaldo rarely speaks about their time together, he couldn’t avoid the topic during the candid conversation. Reflecting on their relationship, he described it as one of the most unique experiences of his life, as it was centered not on physical attraction but on an emotional and spiritual connection.

There are things in life that are unforgettable,” he said. “It was a relationship that brought a lot of learning to my life. I realized I could have a partner and experience a connection that wasn’t tied to the physical aspect but rather the emotional one—and enjoy it just as much.”

A Relationship Rooted in Spirituality
Ríos shared that their romance took them to enchanting places, including Paris, Brazil, and his home in Puerto Rico, often accompanied by Shakira’s brother, Tonino, due to her family’s traditional Lebanese roots. “It was very proper and respectful,” Osvaldo recounted. “My relationship with her was very spiritual because she was very devoted to the Virgin Mary.”