Nicolas Anelka, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

Nicolas Anelka among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

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

UPDATE 26/04/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Anelka 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 47-year-old footballer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Anelka 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 footballer have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Le Chesnay Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Le Chesnay (Nicolas Anelka's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“#AnelkaPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 25 Apr 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveNicolas”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 25 Apr 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Nicolas Anelka?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 25 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Nicolas Anelka?

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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