Juan Carlos, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Madrid
  • Last updated on

Former King of Spain among finalists for TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year?
Juan Carlos »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a credible source, the former King of Spain Juan Carlos is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the monarch's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 05/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Juan Carlos 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 87-year-old monarch, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Juan Carlos 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 monarch have already been named ‘Spaniard Of The Year’ by some major Spanish newspapers and even ‘Rome Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Rome (Juan Carlos' hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Juan Carlos Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 4 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJuan Carlos”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 4 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Juan Carlos?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 4 Dec 2025

Could 2025 officially be the Year of Juan Carlos?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?

© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Juan Carlos: Recent News

 

page served in 0.039s (1,3)