Magic Johnson, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
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Former Lakers star among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a well-placed source, Former Lakers star Magic Johnson is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the basketball player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 13/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Johnson 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 66-year-old basketball player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Johnson 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 basketball player have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Lansing Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Lansing (Magic Johnson's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Magic Johnson Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 12 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Magic has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 12 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Magic Johnson?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 12 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Magic Johnson?

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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