Martina Stoessel, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Buenos Aires
  • Last updated on

Martina Stoessel among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, Martina Stoessel is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actress' fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 16/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Stoessel 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 28-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Stoessel 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 actress have already been named ‘Argentine Of The Year’ by some major Argentine newspapers and even ‘Buenos Aires Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Buenos Aires (Martina Stoessel's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“#StoesselPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 15 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveMartina”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 15 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Martina Stoessel?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 15 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Martina Stoessel?

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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