Shaquille O'Neal, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Washington
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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 2026. But while the basketball player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 18/01/2026 : 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 2026 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, 17 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Shaquille has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 17 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Shaquille O'Neal?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Jan 2026
Could 2026 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 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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