Shaquille O'Neal, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Former NBA legend among finalists for TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, Former NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the basketball player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 17/04/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not O'Neal 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 53-year-old basketball player, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes O'Neal 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 ‘Newark Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Newark (Shaquille O'Neal'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:

“Shaquille O'Neal Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 16 Apr 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveShaquille”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 16 Apr 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Shaquille O'Neal?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 16 Apr 2025

Could 2025 officially be the Year of Shaquille O'Neal?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?

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