Yao Ming, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Beijing
  • Last updated on

Yao Ming among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Yao Ming »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a well-informed source, Yao Ming 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 27/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Yao 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 45-year-old basketball player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Yao 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 ‘Chinese Of The Year’ by some major Chinese newspapers and even ‘Shanghai Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Shanghai (Yao Ming'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:

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

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Yao Ming?

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?

© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Yao Ming: Recent News

 

page served in 0.038s (1,2)