Simona Halep, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Bucharest
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Simona Halep among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a credible source, Simona Halep is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the tennis player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 27/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Halep 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 34-year-old tennis player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Halep 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 tennis player have already been named ‘Romanian Of The Year’ by some major Romanian newspapers and even ‘Constanța Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Constanța (Simona Halep's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Simona Halep Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 26 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveSimona”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 26 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Simona Halep?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 26 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Simona Halep?

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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