Ada Hegerberg, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a top source, Ada Hegerberg is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the footballer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Hegerberg for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 30-year-old footballer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Hegerberg so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the footballer have already been named ‘Norvegian Of The Year’ by some major Norvegian newspapers and even ‘Sunndalsøra Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Sunndalsøra (Ada Hegerberg's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the footballer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Ada Hegerberg Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 19 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Ada has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 19 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ada Hegerberg?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 19 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ada Hegerberg?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Celebrity Central