From Zuckerberg to Taylor Swift… and Back to Trump Again! TIME’s Person of the Year List Proves You Can Never Escape The Donald”

Every December, TIME magazine picks its Person of the Year — the individual, group, or idea that left the most significant mark on the world, for better or worse. It is not about being the “nicest” or the “most popular.” It is about influence — the people who drive headlines, shape politics, inspire culture, and impact everyday lives.
From world leaders and tech innovators to pop icons and protest movements, the choices from 2010 through 2025 show just how much the world has shifted in 15 years. Let us take a look, year by year, at who took the title and what their impact tells us about the times.

2010 – Mark Zuckerberg

In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg was more than a young billionaire — he was the man who made Facebook into a worldwide phenomenon. TIME chose him for “bringing together more than half a billion people on Facebook, changing how friends stay in touch, how politics work, and even how protests spread. At just 26, he became one of the youngest ever Persons of the Year — though Queen Elizabeth II was only 25 when she received the title in 1952, and Charles Lindbergh was also 25 when he became the very first Person of the Year in 1927.

2011 – The Protester

From Cairo’s Tahrir Square to Occupy Wall Street in New York, everyday people filled the streets asking for change. TIME chose “The Protester” as a sign of people’s power. The Arab Spring led to the downfall of leaders, and protests around the world fought against injustice. It showed that when voices join together, they can move even the most powerful governments.

2012 – Barack Obama (Second Win)

After his re-election, President Barack Obama was recognized for his steadfast leadership in America’s economic recovery and for reshaping U.S. politics in a divisive era. This is Obama’s second Person of the Year award – the first came after his historic election as the first African American president in 2008.

2013 – Pope Francis

When Pope Francis stepped into the Vatican, he brought something fresh — humility, compassion, and bold calls for reform. TIME praised him for his focus on the poor, his inclusive tone, and his ability to make the Catholic Church relevant to a new generation. He quickly became one of the world’s most beloved figures

2014 – The Ebola Fighters

Doctors, nurses, and aid workers ran toward danger when the deadly Ebola outbreak swept across West Africa. They risked their lives daily to save others. TIME celebrated these unsung heroes as proof that courage and selflessness can change the course of global health crises.

2015 – Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel, Germany’s Chancellor, stood tall as Europe’s most powerful leader. She was honoured for her response to the European migrant crisis and her role in stabilizing the continent during financial turbulence. Merkel became a symbol of steady leadership in uncertain times.

2016 – Donald Trump

In a year that stunned everyone, Donald Trump went from TV star to the 45th President of the United States. TIME named him Person of the Year for shaking up politics and changing America like never before. Whether you loved him or hated him, there was no ignoring his huge impact.

2017 – The Silence Breakers

The women and men who spoke out against sexual harassment sparked a revolution. From Hollywood to corporate boardrooms, the #MeToo movement toppled powerful abusers and forced society to confront long-ignored truths. TIME called them “The Silence Breakers,” giving faces to the bravery that fueled a global cultural shift.

2018 – The Guardian (Journalists)

Truth itself was under attack in 2018. Journalists around the world faced imprisonment, censorship, and even death for doing their jobs. TIME honoured “The Guardians” — reporters like Jamal Khashoggi and others — who risked everything to keep the public informed. It was a salute to the courage of the free press.

2019 – Greta Thunberg

At just 16 years old, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg became the youngest Person of the Year in history. She started with school strikes and grew into the face of the global climate movement. TIME honoured her for rallying millions of young people to demand urgent climate action.

2020 – Joe Biden & Kamala Harris

The 2020 U.S. election was not just a matter of politics — it was a moment in history. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were honoured together. Biden for defeating Trump in one of the most contentious elections ever, and Harris for becoming the first woman, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President. Their victory represented a turning point in American democracy.

2021 – Elon Musk

Love him or loathe him, Elon Musk defined innovation. From Tesla’s dominance in electric cars to SpaceX rockets that made Mars seem closer than ever, Musk was shaping the future. TIME described him as a man who moves markets with a tweet and changes how humanity thinks about energy and space.

2022 – Volodymyr Zelensky & “The Spirit of Ukraine”

As Russia invaded Ukraine, the world watched in awe as President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to flee Kyiv. His words — “I need ammunition, not a ride” — became legendary. TIME honoured both Zelensky and the spirit of the Ukrainian people for their resilience and courage in defending democracy.

2023 – Taylor Swift

Who else but Taylor Swift? Her Eras Tour broke records, her re-recorded albums topped the charts, and her influence was felt everywhere. TIME chose her not just for her music, but for how she inspired fans and changed the entertainment world. She wasn’t just a pop star — she was a global icon.

2024 – Donald Trump (Second Win)

Eight years after his first title, Donald Trump returned as Person of the Year again in 2024. Following his political comeback and continued influence on American politics, TIME recognized that Trump remained one of the most consequential—and divisive—figures of our era.

2025 – Who Will It Be?
Here is the surprise: TIME magazine has not yet announced the 2025 Person of the Year. The reveal is scheduled for the first week of December 2025.

People are already guessing who will win. The top choices are Artificial Intelligence, which is changing work, creativity, and daily life; Elon Musk, who continues to make headlines with his ventures in space, tech, and AI; and Pope Leo XIV, the new pope making a significant impact worldwide. So, who will take this year? That remains the million-dollar question.

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