Singer Shakira has become a mother for the first time after giving birth to her baby son, Milan.
She announced the happy news on her official website, and said the baby is already following in the footsteps of his father, footballer Gerard Pique, stating: "Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth."
She added in the message: "We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Piqué Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Piqué, born January 22nd at 9:36pm, in Barcelona, Spain.
"The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification...
"The hospital confirmed that the couple's first child weighed approximately 6lbs 6 ounces, and that both mother and child are in excellent health."
The 35-year-old Colombian took to Twitter just four hours earlier to ask her devotees to pray for her during the birth of her first child, revealing to them that she was about to go into labour.
Shakira was admitted to hospital in Barcelona, where she was due to be induced and give birth to her baby boy with her 25-year-old boyfriend Gerard.
She wrote: "I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak."
Last week, the couple invited fans to join them at their virtual baby shower, where they can purchase essential baby gifts that will support UNICEF and benefit some of the world's most vulnerable babies.