Salma Hayek made her debut as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model at age 58.
“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?’ Of course, I didn’t look like a model, so it never crossed my mind that one day I would be in it,” Hayek told Sports Illustrated in the issue published on Tuesday, May 13. “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 is one of four cover stars for the 2025 issue, which also includes Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, model and gymnast Olivia Dunne and entrepreneur Lauren Chan.
“I feel so fortunate that I am part of a generation that has been able to really experience very tangible change,” Hayek continued. “I could retire, but I don’t want to miss out on this time. I fought for it, you know, and I’ve been part of it, and I think it’s really remarkable that a magazine like Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] says that it’s OK, maybe even cool, to be past 50 and still be able to feel not just sexy, but for me, to be free and not be self-conscious of your body like you have to hide.”
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Hayek reflected on feeling confident in herself: “I don’t see why, after a certain age, we have to retract ourselves from embracing life to the fullest.”
While discussing the impact of being on a Sports Illustrated cover, Hayek expressed what she hoped readers would take away. “I hope that when they see the interview or see the photos, it’s a reminder for everyone that it’s so important to always just put all your effort in finding the joy in any given situation,” she added.
The Editor in Chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit honored Hayek on Tuesday.
“Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has always been about more than swimsuits and stunning imagery,” MJ Day shared. “It’s about creating a platform to capture moments that define our times, celebrating people who are shaping culture, and showcasing beauty on a world stage.”
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Photographer Ruven Afanador captured Hayek in various photos for the shoot, including her kneeling in a pool while in a dark green swimsuit, a gold body chain and turquoise necklace. The second version featured Hayek in a brown and mustard yellow crochet-style top and matching yellow bottoms.
“Every single woman included this year brings with her a unique and powerful reason for being featured in the issue. Whether it’s about what she represents, the impact she’s making, or the change she’s driving in her own life and the world around her, these women show up with passion and purpose,” Day continued in the press released while referring to Hayek as “a force of nature as an actor, director, producer, and champion for women. These women, along with our 34 other incredible models, have joined forces to carry the SI Swimsuit torch for 2025.”
