Dominic Thiem, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, Dominic Thiem is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the tennis player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 24/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Thiem 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 32-year-old tennis player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

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

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Dominic Thiem Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 23 Mar 2026

“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveDominic”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 23 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Dominic Thiem?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 23 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Dominic Thiem?

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?

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