Shakira's baby shocker: Names son Milan (Piqué Mebarak)… only dad plays for Barcelona

A star is born! Pop singer Shakira gave birth to a baby boy Milan Piqué Mebarak on Tuesday and proudly announced the new arrival both on Twitter and her official website.

Shakira has become a mother for the first time and both mother and child are in excellent health.

It’s also worth noting that the newborn – who weighed approximately 6lbs, 6 ounces at birth, confirmed the hospital – has also joined his father’s world-renowned soccer team, FC Barcelona.

Announcing his birth, the singer reveals that he is already to follow in the footsteps of his 25-year-old father, boyfriend footballer Gerard Pique, stating: 'Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.'

The 35-year-old Colombian star was admitted into hospital in Barcelona, where she tweeted fans before going in to labour.

She added to her 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 singer took to Twitter just four hours earlier to ask her fans to pray for her during the birth of her first child.

The 'She Wolf' singer appealed to her fans via Twitter shortly after arriving at the Teknon clinic on Tuesday, writing: 'I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak.'

World-famous singer-songwriter and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira and FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué are inviting friends and fans today to join their online baby shower, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, in support of the world's most vulnerable babies. (AP)

She also posted the same content in Spanish and was immediately inundated with messages of support from her fans across the world, wishing her good luck.

A source previously told Spanish newspaper La Razon that the couple scheduled the birth so that FC Barcelona footballer Gerard could be present during their baby's arrival.

The insider also revealed that the singer had requested a female only medical team, who all signed confidentiality agreements, assist her during the birth.

The blonde beauty was said to be feeling "increasing discomfort" ahead of the birth and was complaining of "abdominal pressure."

Shakira has been dating soccer player Gerard for around two years and previously said he is the "best thing" to ever happen to her, until she got pregnant.

She said: 'This man is the best thing that could have happened in my life. And now the baby!'

Shakira only confirmed their relationship last year by posting a picture of them both together on Twitter and Facebook with a caption reading, "I present to you my sunshine." in Spanish.

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.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira and FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué are inviting friends and fans today to join their online baby shower, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, in support of the world's most vulnerable babies. (AP)

The online baby shower engages social media fans by enabling them to join the popstar and her footballer beau in their virtual living room, where they can buy 'Inspired Gifts' such as mosquito nets, polio vaccines and baby-weighing scales that will be distributed to children and communities in some of the poorest corners of the globe.

After purchasing an 'Inspired Gift', fans will then receive a personal thank you message from the couple, and be able to view exclusive photos of them taken in December 2012 by Jaume Laiguana.

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