(Europa Press/Getty Images)

Congratulations are in order for Shakira and her boyfriend, soccer player Gerard Piqué. The couple has welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Milan, according to a statement on the singer's website.

"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 statement said.

"The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification," it said. "Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth."

Milan weighed approximately six pounds, six ounces, and both he and Shakira were in excellent health, according to the statement.

Tuesday morning, before the birth, Shakira tweeted, "I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak." Spanish media reports had suggested that the singer had scheduled a Caesarean section, so she knew that Tuesday would be her delivery date.

Shakira and Piqué had recently launched a virtual "baby shower" that encourages visitors to donate money that will go towards providing food, vaccines or other necessities to babies in need around the world.