Vivian Richards, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, West Indies cricket legend Vivian Richards is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the athlete's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 12/06/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Richards 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 74-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Richards 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 athlete have already been named ‘Antiguan Of The Year’ by some major Antiguan newspapers and even ‘St. John's Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in St. John's (Vivian Richards' hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Vivian Richards Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 11 Jun 2026

“Congrats! Vivian has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 11 Jun 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Vivian Richards?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Jun 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Vivian Richards?

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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