Kaylah Walton
Salma Hayek has once again mesmerized audiences, landing the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue at the age of 58. Dressed in a stunning green bikini on the picturesque beaches of Cuixmala, Mexico, Hayek radiates confidence and sophistication, challenging traditional beauty norms and showcasing the elegance of aging. Her look perfectly captures her allure.
The road to this accomplishment was not without its difficulties. Hayek sifted through over 100 swimsuits, many of which needed adjustments, and faced a travel mix-up that left her without her preferred outfits and beauty supplies. Nevertheless, she tackled the shoot with genuine spirit, humorously remarking, “They don’t all fit just right. If it’s an extra small, it was a mistake!”
Salma Hayek shines on the cover despite her initial reservations
Hayek’s cover presence transcends mere fashion. As a proud Mexican woman who has often addressed ageism in the industry, her feature serves as a powerful affirmation of self-acceptance and defying societal norms. “Women my age, particularly Mexican women, believed we would be overlooked by 35,” she shared. Her appearing on the cover is a tribute to perseverance and the changing narrative surrounding beauty and age.
During a heartfelt discussion on the Today show, Hayek opened up about her initial feelings of self-doubt and how she contemplated skipping the shoot. She worried about finding swimsuits that suited her body type and whether she met conventional modeling criteria. However, a magical encounter when a whale breached in the background helped her fully embrace the moment. “It felt surreal,” she reminisced, highlighting the deep connection to her roots and the importance of representing women over 50.
The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue also showcases other prominent individuals, such as former LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, and model Lauren Chan. Editor-in-chief MJ Day emphasized Hayek’s influence as an actress, producer, humanitarian, and advocate for women and Latinx communities, reinforcing the magazine’s goal of featuring diverse and empowering narratives.
In a surprising twist, Hayek’s daughter, Valentina, 17, had a unique reaction to her mother’s accomplishment. Unaware of the magazine’s historical significance, Valentina didn’t fully comprehend what the cover meant. Hayek found it amusing, highlighting the generational divide, as her daughter is more into beauty products and often shares new discoveries with her.
Salma Hayek’s appearance on the Sports Illustrated cover represents a landmark of empowerment and authenticity. At 58, she’s shattering stereotypes and proving that confidence and self-acceptance are ageless. While she looks absolutely stunning, what truly shines is how her beauty seems to become more radiant with each passing year.
