Raphaëlle Ricci, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

Raphaëlle Ricci among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a credible source, Raphaëlle Ricci is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the dancer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

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

Why not Ricci 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 58-year-old dancer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Ricci 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 dancer have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Enghien-les-Bains Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Enghien-les-Bains (Raphaëlle Ricci's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Raphaëlle Ricci Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 31 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveRaphaëlle”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 31 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Raphaëlle Ricci?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 31 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Raphaëlle Ricci?

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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