Fabio Cannavaro, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, Ballon d’Or winner of 2006 Fabio Cannavaro 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 22/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Cannavaro 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 52-year-old footballer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Cannavaro 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 footballer have already been named ‘Italian Of The Year’ by some major Italian newspapers and even ‘Naples Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Naples (Fabio Cannavaro'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:

“Fabio Cannavaro Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 21 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Fabio has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 21 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Fabio Cannavaro?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 21 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Fabio Cannavaro?

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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