This photo, uploaded by Spanish defender Gerard Pique (rear, center) on his Facebook profile, shows a group of friends celebrating his birthday, including Shakira (the woman to his left). [Photo/titan24.com]

Barcelona's Spanish defender Gerard Pique has confirmed his relationship with well-known pop singer Shakira by posting a photo of himself with the Colombian star on his Facebook profile recently.

Pique made the photo public at the request of his Barca coach Pep Guardiola, who said that constant rumors about the relationship were affecting the player, according to one of Spain's English-language websites.

In the photo, Pique appears alongside Shakira and other friends, including his teammate Carles Puyol and Puyol's girlfriend Malena Costa, celebrating his birthday.

Rumors of the couple's relationship came after May 2010, when Pique and other football players appeared in the music video of Waka Waka, the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

According to the media, a photo of the Barca defender and Shakira together has become one of the hottest-sought images and could even sell for €150,000 ($203,197).

Shakira broke up with her long-time boyfriend Antonio de la Rua, son of Argentina's former President Fernando de la Rua, last month. Pique also split up with his girlfriend in January.

Pique is currently playing as a central defender for FC Barcelona, and formerly played for Manchester United. He played an integral role for Spain, which won the 2010 FIFA World Cup.