Hamid Karzai, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Kabul
  • Last updated on

Afghan president among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a reliable source, the Afghan president Hamid Karzai is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 02/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Karzai 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 68-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Karzai 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 politician have already been named ‘Afghan Of The Year’ by some major Afghan newspapers and even ‘Kandahar Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Kandahar (Hamid Karzai's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“#KarzaiPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 1 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveHamid”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 1 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Hamid Karzai?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 1 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Hamid Karzai?

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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