Jack Ma, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Beijing
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According to a well-placed source, Alibaba's founder Jack Ma is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the business man's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 14/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Ma 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 61-year-old business man, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Ma 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 business man have already been named ‘Chinese Of The Year’ by some major Chinese newspapers and even ‘Hangzhou Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Hangzhou (Jack Ma's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the business man was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Jack Ma Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 13 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJack”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 13 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Jack Ma?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 13 Dec 2025
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Jack Ma?
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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