Li Na, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Beijing
- Last updated on
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According to a well-placed source, Li Na is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the tennis player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 07/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Li 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 43-year-old tennis player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Li so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the tennis player have already been named ‘Chinese Of The Year’ by some major Chinese newspapers and even ‘Wuhan Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Wuhan (Li Na's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the tennis player was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Li Na Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 6 Feb 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveNa”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 6 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Li Na?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 6 Feb 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Li Na?
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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