Zinedine Soualem, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Paris
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According to a reliable source, Zinedine Soualem is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 12/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Soualem 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 68-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Soualem 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 actor have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Thiers Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Thiers (Zinedine Soualem's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the actor was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“#SoualemPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 11 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveZinedine”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 11 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Zinedine Soualem?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Zinedine Soualem?
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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