Zuleyka Rivera, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • San Juan
  • Last updated on

Miss Universe 2006 among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a reliable source, Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the model's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 17/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Rivera 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 38-year-old model, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Rivera 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 model have already been named ‘Puerto Rican Of The Year’ by some major Puerto Rican newspapers and even ‘Cayey Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Cayey (Zuleyka Rivera's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Zuleyka Rivera Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 16 Mar 2026
“Congrats! Zuleyka has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 16 Mar 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Zuleyka Rivera?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 16 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Zuleyka Rivera?

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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