Hollywood icon Salma Hayek has been revealed as one of the four cover stars for the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her debut appearance at the age of 58.
The Mexican-American actress posed in a sparkling green bikini for a striking cover photo captured by photographer Ruven Afanador in her home country.
The shoot, which featured Hayek emerging from a pool adorned with Jacquie Aiche jewellery, marks a powerful statement on body confidence and ageing.
Inside the issue, the Frida star reflected on her journey, expressing disbelief and joy at being part of the legendary magazine.
“I remember when I was young, a long, long time ago, I was always excited to see the Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated, and [thinking] ‘Who’s going to be in it?’” Hayek shared. “If somebody had told me I was gonna be in it at 58, I would have sent them to the madhouse — but the world has changed, and that’s exciting.”
Hayek emphasised that she isn’t slowing down and sees this moment as a celebration of freedom and self-acceptance. “I could retire, but I don’t want to miss out on this time,” she said. “It’s remarkable that a magazine like Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] says it’s O.K., maybe even cool, to be past 50 and still feel sexy — and, for me, free and unselfconscious about my body.”
This year’s issue features a diverse range of women, including fellow cover stars Livvy Dunne, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, and model Lauren Chan. Other notable names include Brooks Nader, Alix Earle, Camille Kostek, and a roster of athletes like WNBA star Cameron Brink and rugby player Ilona Maher.
SI Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day praised Hayek’s inclusion, calling her “a force of nature.” “As an actor, producer, philanthropist, and champion for women, Salma is a beacon for Latinx communities. Her creative fire lights up everything she touches,” Day said.
Though new to the SI cover, Hayek is no stranger to showcasing her figure. She frequently shares bikini photos from lavish vacation spots with fans on Instagram and celebrated her 58th birthday in September 2024 with a post declaring, “None of these are throwbacks.”
Behind her youthful glow, Hayek credits a consistent wellness routine that includes meditation and skincare tips from her 17-year-old daughter, Valentina. She has been candid about using non-surgical treatments to maintain her appearance and says avoiding plastic surgery is a personal decision driven by fear and self-awareness.
“You have to find your way. For me, exercising is hard… but meditation is a walk in the park,” she said.
Hayek also revealed that going without meditation leads to physical and visible changes, including back and joint pain, and a more tired appearance. “Sometimes when I’m doing it, people tell me when I come out of the room, ‘Oh my God, you look 20 years old.’”
With her Sports Illustrated debut, Hayek continues to break boundaries and redefine beauty standards, proving that confidence and glamour have no age limit.
