Lakshmi Mittal, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • New Delhi
  • Last updated on

ArcelorMittal boss among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-informed source, ArcelorMittal's boss Lakshmi Mittal 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 18/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Mittal 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 75-year-old business man, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Mittal 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 ‘Indian Of The Year’ by some major Indian newspapers and even ‘Sadulpur Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Sadulpur (Lakshmi Mittal'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:

“Lakshmi Mittal Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 May 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveLakshmi”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 17 May 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Lakshmi Mittal?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 May 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Lakshmi Mittal?

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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