Salma Hayek has officially joined the ranks of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit icons. On May 13, the magazine announced the acclaimed actress, producer, and model as one of its 2025 cover stars. At 58, Hayek graces the cover for the first time, joining fellow cover models Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, Jordan Chiles, and Lauren Chan in a landmark issue celebrating diversity, beauty, and empowerment.
This year’s edition features Salma Hayek in a series of striking images, styled in jewel-toned, glittering bikinis that showcase her signature elegance and bold spirit.
A Captivating Cover Moment
Photographed by Ruven Afanador, Hayek’s cover shoot presents two standout looks. In one, she kneels in a tranquil pool wearing a sparkling deep green bikini, a delicate gold body chain, and a vibrant turquoise necklace. Another image captures her leaning against a rocky cliffside, wearing a brown and mustard crochet-style top paired with shimmering yellow bikini bottoms.
MJ Day, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, emphasized that Hayek’s inclusion represents more than a visual milestone:
“Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has always been about more than swimsuits and stunning imagery. It’s about capturing moments that define our times and celebrating people who shape culture.”
Day praised Hayek as “a force of nature” in the entertainment world and an unwavering advocate for women.
Redefining Beauty and Confidence
Hayek has long embraced body positivity and self-expression. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight in 2021, she explained how empowering it felt to post bikini photos:
“I had to lose a lot of weight and exercise to get into the bikini. I’m glad I took a lot of pictures. I have no shame because it was the first week of vacation.”
Her bold attitude hasn’t waned. In September 2024, she shared several bikini photos from her 58th birthday celebrations, noting that “none of them are throwbacks.” For Hayek, aging is not a limitation but a chance to embrace a new kind of beauty.
Embracing Aging with Pride
In an April 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Hayek opened up about her evolving relationship with beauty and aging. She acknowledged past insecurities about her neck and skin, but emphasized how she’s grown more confident over time:
“I don’t mind getting older. I don’t think that because time passes, I lose my youth. Beauty and youth are not just on the surface.”
She added that her goal isn’t to look 20 but to feel and look her best at every age.
“I just want my husband [François-Henri Pinault] to still go, ‘Wow’ when he looks at me.”
Joining a Legacy of Influential Women
Hayek’s fellow cover stars include gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne, Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles, and model Lauren Chan. Together, they lead a group of 38 women featured in the 2025 edition—each selected for her influence, impact, and unique story.
“These women show up with passion and purpose,” said Day in the press release. “They carry the SI Swimsuit torch for 2025.”
Available Soon
The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue featuring Salma Hayek will be available on newsstands starting May 17 and digitally through the magazine’s platforms.
Final Thoughts
Salma Hayek’s debut cover with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is a celebration of timeless beauty, cultural impact, and confidence at any age. At 58, she challenges outdated norms and continues to lead with grace, humor, and unshakable authenticity. Her presence on the cover is not just a visual statement—it’s a cultural milestone.