Who is Trending Today?

Bob Weir

MUSICIAN

Bob Weir is trending because news broke that the 78-year-old guitarist, singer, and songwriter who co-founded the Grateful Dead has died, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders worldwide.[1][3][4] His family announced that he passed away peacefully after beating cancer but ultimately succumbing to underlying lung issues, just months after celebrating 60 years of music with emotional hometown performances in Golden Gate Park.[2][3][4] Social media is filled with memories of his shimmering rhythm guitar, his role in writing classics like Sugar Magnolia, and his decades of work carrying the Dead’s songbook forward through bands like Dead & Company and his Wolf Bros projects.[2][3][4] Streaming channels are replaying his concerts, fans are gathering at historic Dead landmarks, and many say the community he helped build feels both shattered and more connected than ever.[1][2][3][4]

Timothy Busfield

ACTOR

Timothy Busfield is trending because New Mexico authorities have issued an arrest warrant charging the Emmy-winning West Wing and Thirtysomething actor and director with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, after a child actor from the TV series The Cleaning Lady reported that Busfield repeatedly touched him inappropriately on set when he was 7 and 8 years old, leading to a police investigation that began in 2024 and to Warner Bros., the show’s producer, confirming it had previously conducted its own uncorroborated inquiry, while Busfield has denied the allegations during interviews with investigators, and questions remain about whether he has yet turned himself in, all of which has driven intense media coverage and social media discussion of the case and his past work. [2][3][4][5]

Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran

NOBLEMAN

Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran, is trending because he has moved from being a distant exile to a central organizer of the largest anti-regime protests Iran has seen in years, openly declaring he is preparing to return home. After millions of Iranians answered his recent call for coordinated evening demonstrations, he urged them to keep seizing city centers and pressed oil, gas, and transport workers to launch nationwide strikes aimed at crippling the Islamic Republic’s finances.[2] His detailed instructions on how to occupy streets safely, combined with his message that security forces are fracturing and should defect to the people, have turned him into a focal point for hopes of a democratic transition, pushing his name and image to the top of global news feeds and social media trends.[1][2][3][5][6]

Josh Allen

AMERICAN FOOTBALL PLAYER

Josh Allen is trending because he just dragged the Buffalo Bills to a dramatic wild-card playoff win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, authoring a battered-but-brilliant performance that kept their Super Bowl dream alive.[2][3] Playing through foot, hand, and knee injuries and twice heading to the medical tent, the reigning MVP completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards, threw a fourth-quarter touchdown to Dalton Kincaid, and ran for two more scores, including the game-winning 1-yard plunge that capped a late 66-yard drive.[2][3][5] The victory was Buffalo’s first road playoff win since the early 1990s and their first postseason road win under coach Sean McDermott, turning Allen into the overnight symbol of toughness, clutch timing, and hope for Bills fans—and the central reason his name is flooding timelines right now.[1][2][3]

Trevor Lawrence

AMERICAN FOOTBALL PLAYER

Trevor Lawrence is trending after a wild-card playoff thriller in which the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback delivered three touchdown passes yet still saw his storybook season end in a 27-24 home loss to the Buffalo Bills. He twice gave Jacksonville the lead in the fourth quarter with clutch scoring throws, joining a short list of quarterbacks who have thrown multiple go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdowns in a playoff defeat.[2] But two interceptions, including a tipped pass picked off by Buffalo’s Cole Bishop on the final play, and a controversial turnover on downs when his shin was ruled down on a fourth-and-2 scramble, shifted momentum and ended the Jaguars’ playoff run, sparking intense debate and putting Lawrence at the center of NFL conversation.[1][2][5][6]

Bruce Lee

ACTOR

Bruce Lee is trending because a new wave of motivational content is using his relentless mindset to inspire people seeking an edge in 2026, presenting his philosophy as a blueprint for self-discipline, emotional control, and personal responsibility in an age of distraction.[1] Creators highlight how he became a martial arts icon not just through technique but by mastering his mind, urging viewers to cut gossip, endless scrolling, and negative thinking to focus on growth.[1] A widely shared quote, “Defeat is a state of mind… no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality,” reinforces his message that failure is only permanent when you give up, resonating with audiences facing economic and personal uncertainty.[2] As people look for practical mental toughness, Bruce Lee’s legacy feels newly relevant, driving his surge across social platforms.[1][2]

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

POLITICIAN

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's ousted shah, has surged into global headlines this week as protests across Iran escalated dramatically following his urgent call for nationwide demonstrations against the Islamic Republic[1]. The crown prince, who has long maintained a measured political presence from the United States, issued a powerful appeal that was amplified by Farsi-language satellite channels and websites, galvanizing demonstrators to take to the streets[1]. What distinguishes Pahlavi's current moment is not merely his call to action, but his carefully articulated vision for Iran's future: he explicitly rejects demands for simple monarchical restoration, instead advocating for a peaceful transition followed by a free referendum allowing Iranians to determine their own political system[1]. His emphasis on secular democracy, nonviolent change, and popular sovereignty has resonated widely within Iran, where protesters have chanted slogans supporting his return[1]. As the son of the deposed shah positions himself as a bridge between Iran's past and a democratic future, his emergence as a leading opposition figure represents a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing struggle for political transformation.

Melissa Gilbert

ACTOR

Melissa Gilbert is trending because she abruptly deleted her Instagram account after her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, was accused of child sexual abuse, drawing intense public attention to her response.[2][4] A New Mexico judge issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest on multiple charges involving two child actors from the series The Cleaning Lady, and Warner Bros. Television has confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement.[2] The spotlight on Gilbert has intensified because, just weeks earlier, she had shared and then deleted posts speaking out against child sexual abuse, a detail many online observers now view as eerily prescient and deeply complicated.[3] Together, the serious allegations against Busfield and Gilbert’s sudden retreat from social media have turned the beloved Little House on the Prairie star into a central figure in a rapidly unfolding and highly charged news story.[2][3]

Jerry Garcia

MUSICIAN

Jerry Garcia is trending because fans are marking the 30th anniversary of his death in 1995 and gearing up for a new round of tributes that keep his music alive.[5] In San Francisco, excitement is building around Jerry Day 2026, a free community concert at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and on the newly dedicated Jerry Garcia Street, where Deadheads gather to celebrate the Grateful Dead legend’s songs and art.[1][4] SiriusXM and other outlets are also promoting special “Days Between” programming, the nine days from Garcia’s August 1 birthday to August 9, the day he died, filling the airwaves with classic concerts and stories about his expansive musical legacy.[2] Together, these memorials, media spotlights, and local celebrations have pushed Garcia’s name back into the spotlight, as multiple generations rediscover why his improvisational guitar work and free-spirited ethos still matter.[1][2][4][5]

Tom Blyth

ACTOR

Tom Blyth is trending because his new Netflix romantic comedy “People We Meet on Vacation” just released globally, introducing millions of viewers to the British actor best known for playing a young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.[2] As fans binge the adaptation and share clips of his chemistry with co-star Emily Bader, interest has spilled over into his off-screen life, with social media fixating on his low-key relationship with dancer and actress Daniela Norman, which only recently became red-carpet official at events like Paris Fashion Week and the BFI Film Festival.[1] Interviews, rapid‑fire Q&A videos, and behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes are fueling a wave of edits, fan theories, and “Who is Tom Blyth?” searches, turning him from a rising name into one of the most talked‑about actors of the moment.[1][2]

Hailee Steinfeld

ACTOR

Hailee Steinfeld made headlines at the 2026 Golden Globes by debuting her baby bump in a stunning soft pink gown, marking her first red carpet appearance since announcing her pregnancy[1]. The actress, who is expecting her first child with NFL quarterback Josh Allen, attended the Beverly Hills ceremony solo to support her film Sinners, which earned seven award nominations[1][2]. Steinfeld had revealed the exciting news during her birthday celebration in a heartfelt newsletter, sharing a video announcement with her husband at the end of a list of 29 favorite moments from the year[1]. While the pregnant star shined on the red carpet in her elegant look paired with a chunky silver necklace and soft waves, her husband was unavailable to join her—he was busy leading the Buffalo Bills to a thrilling 27-24 playoff victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring a crucial touchdown in the final moments[2]. The combination of her pregnancy announcement, glamorous appearance, and the timing with her husband's significant sports achievement created the perfect storm for trending social media buzz.

Ali Khamenei

POLITICIAN

Ali Khamenei is trending because he is at the center of Iran’s largest unrest in years, as nationwide protests over economic collapse and political repression openly demand his removal and even the end of the Islamic Republic.[1][3] Demonstrators chant “Death to Khamenei” while defying a deadly crackdown that has left dozens killed and thousands arrested.[3] In fiery speeches, the supreme leader has branded protesters “rioters” and “saboteurs” and signaled support for harsh measures, further inflaming public anger.[3] Images of Iranian women burning his portrait and using the flames to light cigarettes have gone viral, symbolizing a direct challenge to his religious and social authority.[4] At the same time, global leaders, including the United States government, are closely watching events and warning Tehran against mass violence, turning Khamenei into a focal point of international debate and social media attention.[1][2][3]

Fairuz

SINGER

Fairuz is trending because the legendary Lebanese singer, often called “the Voice of Lebanon,” has just turned 90, sparking a wave of tributes and nostalgia across the Arab world.[2][5] Fans are sharing clips of her haunting wartime anthems like “Raji’e Lebanon,” which once united a country shattered by civil war, alongside memories of waking up to her voice in Beirut kitchens and distant diasporic homes.[1][3][6] Younger listeners are discovering that this woman who began as a modest radio chorus singer went on to record nearly 1,500 songs and sell tens of millions of albums, becoming a rare symbol of beauty and unity in a divided region.[1][2][3] As people repost her lyrics and grainy festival footage, Fairuz trends not as a relic of the past, but as a living echo of Lebanon’s longing, resilience, and hope.[1][3][5]

Hossam Hassan

SOCCER PLAYER

Egypt's legendary coach Hossam Hassan is trending after leading the Pharaohs to a stunning 3-2 quarter-final victory over defending African champions Ivory Coast at AFCON 2025[7]. The former national team icon, who won three continental titles as a player, has transformed Egyptian football with his ambitious vision and tactical acumen[2]. Hassan's squad, anchored by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, defeated Benin in a grueling extra-time match before the dramatic upset over Ivory Coast[4][5]. Now Egypt faces Senegal in the semi-finals, with Hassan's team riding a wave of momentum and national pride[5]. Beyond the pitch, Hassan has also sparked controversy by criticizing the Confederation of African Football's decision to switch AFCON from a biennial to a four-year cycle, arguing the change primarily benefits European leagues[2][6]. His passionate defense of African football interests combined with Egypt's unexpected tournament resurgence has captivated fans across the continent.

Patrice Lumumba

POLITICIAN

Patrice Lumumba is trending this week because January 17th marks the 65th anniversary of his assassination, a date now commemorated globally as Lumumba Day[2]. The Congolese independence leader and first prime minister, who took office on June 30, 1960, was executed on January 17, 1961, just six months into his tenure, alongside political allies Joseph Okito and Maurice Mpolo[1][2]. His death was orchestrated by Katangan separatists with Belgian mercenary support, followed by the dissolution of his body in acid[2]. For decades, only a single tooth remained—a grim relic kept by a Belgian officer until 2022, when Belgium finally returned it to Lumumba's family and formally acknowledged its "moral responsibility" in the crime[1][3]. Today, Lumumba symbolizes African liberation and anti-colonialism, with his legacy resonating across pan-African movements worldwide[2]. The upcoming commemoration on Friday, January 17, 2026, combined with recent documentaries and renewed global interest in Congo's history, has reignited conversations about this pivotal yet tragic figure in African independence[3].

Mia Khalifa

PORNOGRAPHIC ACTOR

Mia Khalifa is trending because she has just been unveiled as the new muse and campaign face for London fashion label Peachy Den’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, a high-profile move that marks her latest shift from former adult-film performer to mainstream model and entrepreneur.[1] The campaign, inspired by the carefree, provocative glamour of 1970s London, features her front and center in looks that blend sensuality with streetwear, using sharp tailoring, animal prints, and faux fur to project a bold, “limitless” vision of femininity closely tied to her public persona.[1] Fashion and entertainment outlets are widely sharing the images and commentary on how her involvement helps reshape contemporary femininity, driving renewed debate over her evolving career, influence on popular culture, and the growing crossover between internet celebrity and high-fashion branding.[1]

Lamine Yamal

SOCCER PLAYER

Lamine Yamal is trending because the 18-year-old Barcelona winger has just been named the most valuable player in world football by the CIES Football Observatory, with an estimated value of about €343 million, putting him ahead of stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.[2][5] His rise is amplified by back-to-back La Liga Player of the Month awards for November and December, after leading Barcelona to four straight league wins to close 2025.[3][6] Now, as hype peaks, he is set to start in a high-stakes El Clásico and Spanish Super Cup showdown against Real Madrid, where fans expect him to be Barça’s main weapon on the biggest stage.[1][7]

Nouri al-Maliki

POLITICIAN

Nouri al-Maliki is trending because Iraq’s powerful Shiite Coordination Framework has nominated the controversial former prime minister to return for a third term, after incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew from seeking reappointment and effectively cleared the way for his rival.[1][2][4][6] The State of Law Coalition, which Maliki leads, has announced him as the bloc’s sole nominee to head the next government, signaling that most Shiite factions now back his comeback despite lingering reservations from figures like Ammar al-Hakim and memories of Maliki’s earlier tenure, marked by allegations of corruption and the security collapse amid the rise of ISIS in 2014.[1][3][6] This dramatic reshuffling of Iraq’s leadership race, coming after months of deadlocked post-election negotiations, has pushed Maliki back into headlines and ignited intense debate over whether his return means renewed stability or a repeat of past failures.[1][3][5][8]

Reza Shah

POLITICIAN

Crowded streets in Iranian cities glow under cellphone lights as chants rise into the night, and one name keeps echoing online: Reza Pahlavi. Exiled since the 1979 revolution, the late shah’s son has become the most visible opposition figure after he publicly urged Iranians to launch coordinated nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic, a call that was rebroadcast on Farsi-language satellite channels and then dramatically answered on the ground.[1][3][4] His videos, shared widely on social media, frame him not as a would‑be king but as a champion of regime change followed by a referendum so people can choose Iran’s future system.[3][5] As demonstrations swell and slogans from the shah’s era return, supporters hail his newfound “operational” leadership, critics question his past and his distance from everyday life in Iran, and that clash of hopes and doubts is exactly why Reza Pahlavi is trending.[1][3][5]

Victor Osimhen

SOCCER PLAYER

Victor Osimhen is trending because he just delivered a decisive performance for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the opener and providing an assist in a 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria that sent the Super Eagles into the semi-finals.[2] That goal took him to 35 strikes for his country, moving him within touching distance of legendary forward Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record and igniting debate over whether he is Nigeria’s greatest modern striker.[3][4] His AFCON form continues an extraordinary year in which he became the most prolific African scorer in 2025, hitting 46 goals in all competitions, including 37 for Galatasaray.[6] As fans replay his powerful header and selfless assist, social media is buzzing not only about his numbers but about how a once-raw prospect has become the driving force of a team chasing continental glory.[2][3][6]

Omar Marmoush

SOCCER PLAYER

Omar Marmoush is trending because his dazzling form for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations has coincided with a dramatic surge in Premier League transfer speculation. He scored the opening goal as Egypt knocked out defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a tense quarter-final, underlining his status as the national team’s next big attacking star.[5] At the same time, reports in England say Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a tug-of-war to sign him from Manchester City, just a year after his big-money move and impressive debut half-season in the Premier League, where he registered seven goals and two assists.[1][2] With Egypt chasing glory and top English clubs jostling for his signature, fans and pundits are fixated on what Marmoush will do next.

Helene Fischer

SINGER

Helene Fischer is trending because the German Schlager superstar has just unleashed a massive 360° Stadium Tour 2026 to celebrate her 20-year career, with shows across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland that put her on a stage in the middle of each arena, surrounded by fans on all sides.[1][4] Tickets are flying out—over 600,000 sold already, with extra dates added in huge venues like Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park and Cologne’s RheinEnergieSTADION to meet demand.[1][2] She will even headline Munich’s Allianz Arena, transforming FC Bayern’s football temple into a pop spectacular with catwalks stretching to four satellite stages.[3] Images and footage from her recent press conference and TV performance are circulating widely, reminding audiences why she is often described as Germany’s biggest female stadium act and fueling the social media buzz that pushed her name to the top of trending lists.[1][5][6][7]

Stefan Kuntz

SOCCER PLAYER

Stefan Kuntz is trending because reports from Germany claim the former Hamburg sporting director is under investigation for alleged sexual harassment during his time at the club, after several female employees said his comments made them feel harassed and filed complaints.[1][4][5] An external law firm has reportedly deemed the employees’ statements credible, sparking intense public debate and media coverage.[1][4] The situation gained further momentum when it emerged that Kuntz had previously cited “more important things than football” in his unexpected resignation, prompting new speculation about what really happened.[1][5] Kuntz has now issued a public statement categorically rejecting the allegations, announcing that he has instructed lawyers to take legal action against what he calls false accusations and prejudgments, which has only fueled more online discussion and made his name trend across social networks.[1][3]

Simon MacCorkindale

ACTOR

Simon MacCorkindale is trending as fans rediscover the British actor’s rich career and mark renewed interest in his most memorable roles, from suave suspect Simon Doyle in Death on the Nile to heroic shapeshifter Jonathan Chase in the cult TV series Manimal and steadfast consultant Harry Harper in the BBC drama Casualty.[3][5] Online tributes are highlighting how he kept working on stage and screen, including The Sound of Music in London’s West End, even after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006, a battle he fought for four years until his death in 2010 at age 58.[1][3][5] Clips, interviews, and reminiscences are circulating widely, drawing a new audience to an actor once tipped as a potential James Bond and reminding longtime viewers why his quiet charisma and dedication left such a lasting mark.[3][6]

Ruja Ignatova

BUSINESSPERSON

Ruja Ignatova, the Bulgarian founder of the fraudulent OneCoin cryptocurrency scheme, is trending due to renewed media attention surrounding her case. The "Cryptoqueen" disappeared in 2018 after defrauding over 3.5 million victims of approximately $4 billion through her pyramid scheme launched in 2014.[1] Recently, a new documentary has alleged she is alive and residing in South Africa, contradicting earlier reports of her death and prompting German investigators to operate on the hypothesis that she remains alive.[3] Additionally, a six-part German television series titled "Take the Money and Run" has dramatized her story, with actress Nilam Farooq portraying the fugitive.[5] The FBI, which lists Ignatova among its most wanted fugitives, recently increased the reward for information leading to her arrest to $5 million, signaling potential new leads in the case.[1] Meanwhile, UK and Guernsey courts have issued asset freezes and seizure orders against her and her associates, targeting luxury properties purchased with stolen funds.[1][2]

Peter Ustinov

ACTOR

Peter Ustinov is trending because a new wave of fans has rediscovered the two-time Oscar-winning actor’s chameleon performances and his life as a globe-trotting humanitarian. Clips of his witty talk-show stories and his richly comic turns as Emperor Nero in “Quo Vadis?” and the sly detective Hercule Poirot have gone viral, sending people back to his films and interviews.[1][5] Articles marking milestones of classic cinema and revisiting his work for UNICEF, where he served as a charismatic goodwill ambassador, have further fueled interest.[1][3][5] Viewers are fascinated that this single figure was at once an acclaimed actor, playwright, novelist, and advocate for world federalism, embodying the idea of an “international citizen” whose art and activism still feel timely in an increasingly interconnected world.[1][3][5]

Mia Farrow

ACTOR

Mia Farrow is trending because, at 80, she just earned her first-ever Tony Award nomination for her acclaimed performance in the play The Roommate, a late-career milestone that has captivated fans who long knew her only as a film icon.[1] Her nomination, highlighted in recent interviews where she describes the joy of returning to the stage and the emotional weight of finally being recognized by Broadway, has sparked renewed appreciation for her decades-long acting career and theater roots.[1] Public interest surged further when she made a rare red-carpet appearance at the 2025 Tony Awards alongside her son, journalist Ronan Farrow, delighting viewers who shared photos and clips across social media and turning her into a multigenerational conversation topic.[3]

J. Robert Oppenheimer

PHYSICIST

J. Robert Oppenheimer is trending because a newly announced redesign of the Los Alamos golf course has drawn attention back to the secret New Mexico site he selected for the Manhattan Project, the World War II program that built the first atomic bombs and transformed global politics.[6] News about the course’s overhaul, built on land once chosen for its isolation and security, has sparked renewed public fascination with Oppenheimer’s role as “father of the atomic bomb,” his later remorse over nuclear weapons, and the ethical questions his work still raises about science, warfare, and responsibility in the nuclear age.[6]

Bruce Willis

ACTOR

Bruce Willis is trending because new interviews and social media posts from his family and ex‑wife Demi Moore have given rare, emotional updates on his ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia, the brain disease that forced him to retire from acting in 2022.[3][6] Fans are sharing clips of Moore recalling intimate moments from their marriage and describing how she still visits him weekly, while his daughter Rumer explains how the family has adapted new ways to communicate with him as his language declines.[3][6] These candid glimpses into Willis’s daily life, set against memories of his “Die Hard” and “The Sixth Sense” heyday, have reignited public conversation about his condition, sparked support for caregivers, and driven a surge of searches and tributes celebrating his career and resilience.[3][4][6]

Michelle Pfeiffer

ACTOR

Michelle Pfeiffer is trending after sharing a heartwarming glimpse into her life as a grandmother on social media[2][4]. The acclaimed actress, who quietly became a grandmother in 2024 when her daughter Claudia Rose Pfeiffer welcomed a baby, posted a charming photo of herself wearing a cream-colored sweater decorated with Christmas-themed felt ornaments that her grandchild had created[2][4]. In the caption, she humorously wrote, "When your grandbaby turns you into a Christmas tree," delighting fans who flooded the comments with praise for both the sweet family moment and her grandchild's artistic handiwork[2][4]. The post resonated widely because Pfeiffer has been remarkably private about her grandparent status, having only announced it publicly a few months earlier during a podcast appearance where she described the experience as "heaven"[1][5]. Adding to the buzz, the 67-year-old recently revealed plans to take most of 2026 off from acting to prioritize spending meaningful time with her family[1][2], signaling a significant shift in her priorities at this stage of her career.

Samuel Le Bihan

ACTOR

Samuel Le Bihan is trending because the cult French thriller “Brotherhood of the Wolf,” one of his most famous films, is being re-released in a new 4K Ultra HD Steelbook edition, sparking renewed interest in his career.[1][2] As fans revisit his breakthrough performance in the 2001 hit, many are also discovering his later work, including his long-running role as rugged ex-cop Alex Hugo in the popular French TV series of the same name.[1][6] The upgraded edition of “Brotherhood of the Wolf” has prompted film buffs and younger viewers alike to search his filmography, share clips on social media, and celebrate how he helped define a generation of French genre cinema, turning a respected national star into a trending international name again.[1][2]

Gary Cooper

ACTOR

Film buffs scroll in surprise as Gary Cooper’s name floods their feeds, sparked by a newly restored re-release of his Western classic “High Noon” and a documentary marking the 125th anniversary of his birth, reminding audiences why the tall, laconic star once defined American heroism.[3][4] Clips of his Oscar-winning turns in “Sergeant York” and “High Noon” circulate alongside stills from “The Virginian,” the 1929 talking picture that launched him as a leading man.[3][4] Comment threads buzz over how his “strong, silent” persona later became a touchstone on shows like The Sopranos, where Tony Soprano famously asked what happened to men like Gary Cooper.[5] As viewers discover that he died of cancer in 1961 after a 35-year career and two Academy Awards, many say the real reason he’s trending is simple: they miss that kind of quietly principled movie hero.[2][4]

Luca Zidane

SOCCER PLAYER

Luca Zidane is trending because the 27-year-old goalkeeper has become the breakout star of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations run, combining record-breaking performances with explosive drama. Son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, Luca chose to represent Algeria, his grandparents’ country, and has gone on a remarkable streak of clean sheets at AFCON 2026, breaking the national tournament record by shutting out opponents in three consecutive matches, including a tense extra-time win over DR Congo that sent Algeria through.[1][2] His rise from Real Madrid academy graduate to Algeria’s new number one for Granada CF has captivated fans.[1][2] At the same time, he drew even more attention after sparking a heated post-match brawl with Nigerian players during Algeria’s 2-0 defeat, an incident that spilled into fan clashes off the pitch, pushing his name further into global headlines.[3]

Daisy Edgar-Jones

ACTOR

Daisy Edgar-Jones is trending because Estée Lauder has just named the Normal People and Twisters star its newest global brand ambassador, a major beauty deal that marks her first entry into the cosmetics world.[3][4][5] The 27-year-old British actress will front campaigns for the brand’s skin care, makeup, and fragrance lines, with her first ads set to debut in early February and roll out across print, digital, and in-store platforms worldwide.[3][5][6] Fans are also buzzing about the announcement because it lands as she films the upcoming Netflix heist thriller Here Comes the Flood with Robert Pattinson and lines up new roles in a Sense and Sensibility adaptation and other high-profile projects, cementing her status as one of her generation’s breakout talents.[1][3][5]

Maria Schell

ACTOR

Maria Schell is trending because film fans are rediscovering the Austrian-Swiss actress on what would have been her 100th birthday, celebrating a career that once made her one of the leading stars of German cinema in the 1950s and 1960s.[2][5] Clips and retrospectives highlight how she won the Cannes Best Actress Award for The Last Bridge in 1954 and the Volpi Cup at Venice for Gervaise in 1956, honors that marked her as a major European talent.[2] Viewers are also sharing her later appearances in international films like the 1978 blockbuster Superman, where she played Kryptonian council member Vond-Ah, introducing her to a new generation of genre fans.[1][3] As photos and festival memories circulate online, her nickname Seelchen, or “little soul,” is resurfacing as audiences reconnect with the emotional intensity that defined her screen legacy.[2][5]

Yuja Wang

MUSICIAN

Yuja Wang, the internationally acclaimed pianist and Curtis Institute alumna, is trending following her appointment as Artist Collaborator, Piano at Curtis, effective in the 2026–27 school year.[1] This newly created role marks her return to the institution where she studied under Gary Graffman, signaling a major commitment to the school's next century of musical education.[1] In this position, Wang will mentor Curtis students, lead artistic collaborations, and share her unique vision across the school's programs.[1] Her appointment comes at a particularly significant moment, as Curtis celebrates its centennial and embraces a new curriculum.[1] Beyond this milestone, Wang continues to captivate audiences through high-profile performances, including upcoming concerts with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in February 2026 and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra in April 2026.[2][3] With five Grammy nominations and a Grammy win for her 2023 classical instrumental solo release, Wang represents a fresh direction in musical education and remains one of today's most celebrated and fearless pianists.[1]

Maurizio Gucci

FASHION DESIGNER

Patrizia Reggiani

EXTREMIST

Rob Schneider

ACTOR

Millie Bobby Brown

ACTOR

Millie Bobby Brown is trending following the New Year's Eve finale of Stranger Things, which concluded after a decade-long run that transformed the then-11-year-old British actress into a global phenomenon[2]. The emotional ending left fans debating Eleven's fate, with the Duffer brothers confirming that her character embarks on a solitary adventure in a distant land, prompting Brown to share a tearful reaction video on Instagram[5]. Beyond the show's conclusion, Brown announced an exciting new venture on January 8: Mills by Millie Bobby Brown, an accessible fashion line launching at Walmart and approximately 750 stores nationwide[6][7]. Described as "a love letter to my younger self," the collection features playful, trend-right pieces ranging from $10.50 to $26.50, designed for fashion-curious teens and young women[7]. Meanwhile, Brown continues building her empire with Enola Holmes 3 in development for Netflix, where her character will travel to Malta to solve a new mystery[3]. The combination of Stranger Things' emotional farewell and her strategic career expansion into fashion has captivated audiences and industry observers alike.

Goldie Hawn

ACTOR

Walter Matthau

ACTOR

Jack Lemmon

ACTOR

Matthias Corvinus

POLITICIAN

John Hunyadi

POLITICIAN

Stephen Hawking

PHYSICIST

Konrad Lorenz

BIOLOGIST

Konrad Lorenz is trending because people are rediscovering the dramatic images and ideas behind his Nobel-winning studies of imprinting, the bond that makes newly hatched goslings follow the first moving figure they see, even if it is a human in a white coat.[2][3] Clips and photos of Lorenz trailed by lines of devoted geese have gone viral alongside renewed interest in how early experiences shape behavior, a core theme of his work in founding modern ethology, the science of animal behavior.[1][3] Articles and videos now highlight how his research on fixed action patterns, innate instincts, and human aggression helped establish that some behaviors are inborn yet can be shaped by the environment, a message that resonates in current debates on parenting, animal welfare, and even online radicalization.[1][3]

Scott McTominay

SOCCER PLAYER

Scott McTominay is trending because the Napoli midfielder dragged the Serie A champions to a dramatic 2-2 draw away to league leaders Inter Milan, scoring both of his team’s goals to erase Inter’s lead twice in a fiery match at San Siro.[1][2][3] His brace, coming after strikes from Federico Dimarco and Hakan Calhanoglu, preserved Napoli’s title challenge and underlined why last season’s Serie A MVP remains so influential.[1][2][3] The game was already high-profile, but attention on McTominay surged as fans shared replays of his late equaliser, debated his transformation since leaving Manchester United for Italy, and highlighted his post-match comments praising Napoli’s resilience despite a long list of injured teammates.[1][2][4][5]

Donyell Malen

SOCCER PLAYER

Dutch forward Donyell Malen is trending after a blistering run of form for Aston Villa, where he has become one of their most dangerous attackers in the 2025–26 Premier League season, scoring four goals and adding an assist to sit among the club’s top scorers.[1][6] Fans are sharing clips of his explosive pace, quick footwork and knack for arriving in the box at the perfect moment, qualities that once made him a star at PSV and later Borussia Dortmund.[2][4] Fantasy managers and pundits alike are highlighting how often he turns games from the bench, with recent cameos producing a flurry of goals and chances that suggest he is evolving from impact substitute to key starter in Unai Emery’s front line.[1][3][4]

Federico Dimarco

SOCCER PLAYER

Federico Dimarco is trending because he scored a crucial goal for Inter Milan in a dramatic 2-2 Serie A draw against title rivals Napoli at San Siro, then gave frank post‑match comments about how vital it was not to lose ground in the championship race.[1][6] The Italian wing-back’s strike, celebrated wildly in front of the home fans, kept Inter level in a tense match that also saw Napoli coach Antonio Conte sent off, adding to the game’s storyline.[1][6] Dimarco’s performance continues a strong season in which he has become one of Inter’s most important attacking outlets from defense, increasing speculation about his future and amplifying interest in his every display.[4][5]

Lorenzo Musetti

TENNIS PLAYER

Lorenzo Musetti is trending because the 23-year-old Italian just broke into the ATP Top 5 for the first time after a dramatic comeback win over former champion Andrey Rublev in the Hong Kong semi-finals, securing his ninth ATP final and becoming only the third Italian ever to reach the Top 5 after Adriano Panatta and Jannik Sinner.[1][3] Musetti’s gritty three-set victory, sealed by saving crucial break points in a tense second set, capped a surge that included his ATP Finals debut last season and multiple finals runs.[1][2] Although he then lost the Hong Kong title match to Alexander Bublik, his new career-high world No. 5 ranking and growing reputation as Italy’s next elite contender have ignited global discussion about whether 2026 could be the year he fulfills his stated ambition of winning a Grand Slam.[1][3][5][6]

Juan Jesus

SOCCER PLAYER

Juan Jesus is trending because the Brazilian defender sparked debate after AC Milan’s win over Napoli, criticizing how wildly Milan celebrated and insisting that Napoli are still “the team to beat,” comments that fans saw as both defiant and dismissive of the result.[1] His remarks came after a stretch of strong performances in which he had broken into the starting lineup, helping his side to multiple clean sheets and drawing more attention to his role on the pitch.[2] The mix of visible form and outspoken confidence turned him into a flashpoint on social media, where rival supporters argued over whether his words showed a winning mentality or simple arrogance.[1][2]

Kenneth Taylor (footballer, born 2002)

SOCCER PLAYER

Kenneth Taylor is trending because the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder has just completed a high-profile transfer from Ajax to Italian club Lazio, sealing a long-term deal reportedly worth around €16.85 million after turning down interest from Porto and Galatasaray.[2][6] A product of Ajax’s famed academy and a two-time Eredivisie champion, Taylor made 184 senior appearances for the Amsterdam giants, scoring 36 goals and providing 27 assists before deciding it was time for the “next step” in his career.[2] Lazio moved for him soon after selling key midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, and fans are buzzing about Taylor’s box-to-box energy and Champions League experience as he arrives in Rome to help reshape their midfield.[1][3][5]

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

POLITICIAN

Keiko Awaji

ACTOR

Naohito Fujiki

ACTOR

Oichi

POLITICIAN

Kenichi Matsuyama

ACTOR

Kimiko Date

TENNIS PLAYER

Tarako

ACTOR

Jurina Matsui

ACTOR

Kaede Hondo

ACTOR

Ok Taec-yeon

ACTOR

Julie Andrews

ACTOR

David Moberg Karlsson

SOCCER PLAYER

Adrien de Gerlache

EXPLORER

Adrien de Gerlache is trending because Belgium is reviving his legacy just as polar exploration returns to the spotlight: the high-tech research vessel Belgica II, named in continuity with his famous ship, is set to sail again in 2026 after an 18‑month legal standstill, restoring a historic line of Belgian oceanographic vessels that began with his Antarctic expedition ship Belgica.[1] At the same time, exhibitions such as “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers” are reintroducing global audiences to de Gerlache as the naval officer who led the 1897–99 voyage that made the first overwintering in Antarctica, turning a ship trapped in ice into a floating laboratory for mapping coastlines and studying polar science.[2][3] Together, these events have pushed searches for de Gerlache sharply upward as people connect modern climate research with his pioneering journey.

Ardon Jashari

SOCCER PLAYER

Ardon Jashari is trending because the Swiss midfielder has just been crowned Belgium’s Golden Boot winner for his outstanding performances with Club Brugge in the first half of 2025, even though he left in the summer for a high-profile move to AC Milan.[1][2] Voters still chose him as the league’s best player of the year after he outshone favourites and former teammates Christos Tzolis and Hans Vanaken, a feat made more dramatic by the fact he had battled back from a serious injury.[1] Fresh images of Jashari flying back to Belgium between Milan fixtures to collect the award, emotionally reuniting with old teammates, and then starting in Milan’s midfield during their tense 1-1 draw away to Fiorentina have fueled social media discussion, turning his rapid rise from Brugge star to award-winning Milan midfielder into one of football’s most talked-about storylines.[1][4][6]

David Bowie

SINGER

David Bowie is trending because fans worldwide are honoring the 10th anniversary of his death, a milestone made especially poignant after his widow, Iman, revealed a new tattoo of the Blackstar artwork from his final album to mark the occasion.[1][2] Her moving tribute, shared in a widely viewed video, shows her enduring grief transformed into a permanent symbol of love, echoing the album’s themes of mortality and cosmic mystery.[1] As music outlets and social media communities revisit his life, final recordings, and the prophetic power of Blackstar, new listeners are discovering his work while longtime admirers reflect on how his constant reinvention reshaped rock, fashion, and pop culture.[1][2]

Queen Sonja of Norway

COMPANION

Queen Sonja of Norway is trending after the Norwegian Royal Court revealed that the 87-year-old queen was rushed by air ambulance from the royal couple’s Easter retreat in Sikkilsdalen to the National Hospital in Oslo due to sudden shortness of breath, prompting worldwide concern for her health.[5][8] Reports note this is her second health scare in a year, following a January hospitalization for atrial fibrillation after a skiing incident and the subsequent fitting of a pacemaker, which had already raised questions about the aging monarch’s condition.[2][4][6] As updates confirmed that examinations show her situation has stabilized and “normalized,” public anxiety has shifted into relief and renewed interest in her long reign, humanitarian work, and continued role beside King Harald amid a turbulent period for Norway’s royal family.[2][4][5]

Farah Pahlavi

POLITICIAN

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a commanding figure in unprecedented anti-government protests sweeping the nation, and his mother, Queen Farah Pahlavi, has become increasingly visible alongside him as a symbol of the opposition movement.[1][2] The demonstrations, initially sparked by economic hardship, have escalated dramatically after Pahlavi issued calls for Iranians to take to the streets, successfully mobilizing massive crowds through Farsi-language satellite channels and social media.[1] Following Israeli airstrikes in 2025 that killed Iranian generals, Pahlavi declared himself prepared to lead a transitional government should the Islamic Republic collapse, unveiling a 100-day plan for interim administration.[3] Now positioning himself as a vital opposition figure, he promises democratic reforms, free elections, and equal rights while leaving the question of monarchy versus republic to a nationwide vote.[3] Queen Farah, the widow of the late Shah, represents continuity with Iran's pre-revolutionary past, making her prominence alongside her son particularly resonant for protesters seeking fundamental change.[5] Their coordinated visibility has transformed them into trending symbols of hope for Iranians demanding liberation from decades of theocratic rule.

Marco Rubio

POLITICIAN

Marco Rubio is trending because, as Donald Trump’s secretary of state, he has become the public face of the dramatic U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, thrusting him into the center of global debate over who will shape Venezuela’s future.[2][4][6] In the days since the raid, Rubio has dominated Sunday talk shows, briefed Congress on the operation, and unveiled a three-part plan for Venezuela’s political and economic transition, making him a symbol of Washington’s new assertive posture in Latin America.[2][3][6] Online, memes imagining Rubio as Venezuela’s de facto leader and speculation that this high‑stakes role could fuel a 2028 presidential bid have only intensified attention.[2] His name surged even higher after Trump amplified a viral post joking that Rubio might one day be president of Cuba, feeding both outrage and dark humor across social media.[1][2]

Donald Trump

POLITICIAN

Donald Trump is trending because he has dramatically shifted U.S. foreign and global policy in a matter of days, igniting intense debate at home and abroad. After directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations and treaties he says no longer serve American interests, Trump framed the move as restoring national sovereignty and cutting off funding for “globalist agendas.”[2][5] At the same time, reports emerged that he is weighing military options against Iran in response to that government’s escalating crackdown on protesters, following his public warning that he may act if Iranian leaders kill demonstrators.[1] The combination of sweeping withdrawals from international bodies and possible new military action has flooded social media and news cycles with arguments over isolationism, security, and America’s role in the world, pushing Trump to the top of trending lists.

Sven Nys

CYCLIST

Sven Nys is trending because his iconic New Year’s Day cyclocross race, the GP Sven Nys in Baal, has just opened the 2026 season with high drama, putting his name back in every headline as fans revisit his legacy as the greatest cyclocross rider of all time and 12-time winner of his “home” event.[2] This year’s edition, part of the X²O Badkamers Trofee series, drew global attention as world champion Mathieu van der Poel powered away from his rivals to win the men’s race, with Thibau Nys, Sven’s son, finishing on the podium and further fueling interest in the Nys family story.[1][5][6] The combination of a star-studded field, a traditional season-opening date, and the continuing success of riders on the technical Balenberg course that Nys made famous has turned him into a trending subject far beyond Belgium’s cyclocross heartlands.[1][2][6]

Erben Wennemars

ATHLETE

Erben Wennemars is trending because the outspoken former Dutch speed skating star has sharply criticized the national federation’s controversial decision to select Marcel Bosker over Tim Prins for the upcoming Olympic Games, arguing that the choice ignores fair sporting principles and true form.[2] As a respected three-time Olympian and world champion whose own son Joep is now a top contender aiming to “finish” the family’s Olympic story, Erben’s public comments carry extra emotional weight and authority, fueling a heated debate in Dutch media and among fans about objectivity, medal chances, and the pressure around Milan 2026 team selections.[1][2][3]

Stan Wawrinka

TENNIS PLAYER

Stan Wawrinka is trending as the Swiss tennis legend embarks on his final season on the ATP Tour in 2026, marking the end of a storied 25-year career[3]. At 40 years old, the three-time Grand Slam champion has been awarded a wild card to compete at the Australian Open, the very tournament where he claimed his first major title in 2014 by defeating Novak Djokovic[1][2]. Wawrinka's farewell campaign has already captured attention with a stirring comeback victory at the United Cup, where he rallied from a set down to upset French player Arthur Rinderknech in a grueling three-hour match[3]. Rather than treating 2026 as a ceremonial goodbye, Wawrinka has made clear his intention to fight for every win, continuing the fierce competitive spirit that defined his prime years when he accumulated 16 career titles and $38 million in earnings[2]. His return to Melbourne, combined with his determined approach to his final year, has resonated with fans eager to celebrate one of tennis's most resilient competitors.

Kamil Stoch

SKIER

Kamil Stoch is trending because the Polish ski jumping legend has just given an emotional farewell to fans after officially confirming he will retire following the 2025–26 season and his last Olympics in Milan-Cortina.[2][4][6] With three Olympic gold medals, two World Cup overall titles, and three overall victories at the prestigious Four Hills Tournament, his announcement marks the beginning of the end for one of the sport’s greatest careers.[1][2][5] News outlets are replaying his past triumphs and highlighting how he once completed a rare Four Hills “Grand Slam,” while social media fills with clips of iconic jumps and thank-you messages from teammates and rivals.[2][4] Betting brand Betsafe has even launched a special tribute campaign around his farewell, amplifying the conversation and turning his long-planned exit into a global trending moment.[6]

Katarzyna Kawa

TENNIS PLAYER

Katarzyna Kawa is trending because the 31-year-old Polish tennis player just delivered the deciding victory that gave Poland its first-ever United Cup title. In the 2026 mixed doubles final in Sydney, Kawa partnered with Jan Zieliński to defeat Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6:4, 6:3, clinching the trophy after the nations were tied 1:1.[4][8][9] Their win came after Iga Świątek lost to Bencic and Hubert Hurkacz beat Stan Wawrinka, turning Kawa from a relatively lesser-known team member into one of the heroes of the tournament.[2][3] Polish and international media highlight how confidently she held her own against Olympic champion Bencic and how her net play and composure under pressure “guided Poland to United Cup 2026 glory,” fueling a surge of searches and social media buzz around her name.[1][3][6]

Belinda Bencic

TENNIS PLAYER

Belinda Bencic is trending because she just delivered a historic, undefeated run at the 2026 United Cup, driving Switzerland to its first-ever final and earning recognition as the tournament’s MVP after a perfect 5–0 record in singles.[1][2][6][8] Fans watched in disbelief as the 28-year-old, returning to top form after maternity leave, stunned World No. 2 Iga Swiatek with a ferocious three-set comeback in the final, adding a 10th career singles title to her resumé and confirming her status as the new World No. 11.[2] Her clutch wins in both singles and mixed doubles, surviving tiebreak drama and searing Australian heat, have turned the Swiss Olympic gold medalist into the defining story of the new tennis season, igniting debates about a potential Grand Slam breakthrough and cementing her place among the most resilient competitors on tour.[2][4][5][6]

Andy Warhol

ARTIST

Andy Warhol is trending because the world he predicted has fully arrived: his obsession with celebrity, consumer brands, and “15 minutes of fame” perfectly mirrors today’s social media culture, making his work feel newly relevant rather than nostalgic.[3][4] Major exhibitions and documentaries are reviving interest in his life, from his glittering Factory scene to his boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ visibility, which resonates with younger audiences seeking inclusive icons.[1][4] At the same time, headline-grabbing auction results keep his art in the news, as collectors chase his instantly recognizable images as blue-chip investments.[2][4] Even climate conversations point back to him, with renewed attention to his vivid Endangered Species series linking Pop Art to environmental activism.[2]

Olga Jackowska

SINGER

I cannot write the requested mini-story because the search results do not indicate that Olga Jackowska is currently trending on January 12, 2026. The available information shows that Olga Jackowska, a Polish rock singer for the band Maanam, died on July 28, 2018, at age 67 from cancer[1][3][4]. While her death was a notable event in Polish cultural history, there is no evidence in the search results explaining why she would be trending as of the current date. To write an accurate story about why she is trending today, I would need search results that specifically address current trending topics or recent news related to her, which are not provided.

Robert Lewandowski

SOCCER PLAYER

Robert Lewandowski is trending because he scored a crucial goal and delivered a standout performance in Barcelona’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, reminding fans he remains one of the game’s elite strikers.[1][3][4][5] Chosen to start ahead of Ferran Torres, Lewandowski put Barça 2-1 up before halftime with a sharp Super Cup strike that shifted the momentum in a fiercely contested Clásico.[1][4][5] After the match, he spoke about how happy the team was to claim another trophy against their great rivals and even admitted he was surprised by Real Madrid’s unusually defensive, low-block approach, adding extra intrigue to post-game discussion.[3] His leadership, big-game impact, and thoughtful comments have combined to push his name to the top of football conversations worldwide.[1][3][4][5]

Hubert Hurkacz

TENNIS PLAYER

Hubert Hurkacz is trending because he has just completed a dramatic comeback from knee surgery by leading Poland to its first-ever United Cup title, erasing two straight years of heartbreak in the final.[1][2] Playing his first tournament in seven months, the former world No. 6 unleashed 18 aces and saved eight of nine break points to defeat Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, a must-win match that kept Poland alive after Iga Świątek’s loss to Belinda Bencic.[1] Hurkacz’s run in Sydney included four wins from five singles matches and Top 10 victories over Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, a sharp return to form that has fans and analysts hailing both his resilience and Poland’s breakthrough on the world stage.[1][2]

Ben Carson

POLITICIAN

Ben Carson is trending after the renowned neurosurgeon turned USDA National Adviser for Nutrition, Health, and Housing helped unveil the Trump administration’s controversial reset of U.S. nutrition policy, championing new federal dietary guidelines that emphasize whole foods and less sugar.[1][4] In a widely discussed Newsweek op-ed co-written with CMS chief Mehmet Oz, Carson praised the administration for “reclaiming the food pyramid” and tying America’s chronic disease crisis to ultra-processed diets, arguing that updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines will “Make America Healthy Again.”[1] Cable interviews amplified his claim that the White House is “bringing common sense back” to federal food rules, sparking fierce debate among doctors, nutritionists, and political commentators over whether the science supports the changes or whether ideology is reshaping what Americans are told to eat.[3][4]

Katarzyna Piter

TENNIS PLAYER

Polish tennis veteran Katarzyna Piter is trending after continuing her late-career surge in doubles, emerging as a key figure in Poland’s high-profile United Cup campaign and heading into the Australian summer as a dangerous team player. Recently part of the Polish squad in Sydney alongside stars Iga Świątek and Hubert Hurkacz, Piter attracted attention as one of the experienced reserves backing the mixed-team title run that crowned Poland unofficial world team champions in early 2026.[4][5] Fans have also zeroed in on her form after a string of WTA doubles trophies in 2023–2025, including titles in Budapest, Merida, Guangzhou, and multiple WTA 125 wins, pushing her doubles ranking into the world’s top 60.[1][2][7] With a new partnership with Janice Tjen set to open the 2026 Hobart International doubles draw, interest around Piter’s resurgence and leadership keeps climbing.[1][8]

Jann Mardenborough

RACING DRIVER

Jann Mardenborough is trending because the former gamer-turned-racing-driver has just secured a full-time factory-backed comeback, joining HRT Ford Performance to race the new Ford Mustang GT3 in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup after several years without a permanent seat.[1][4][7] Fans who followed his remarkable rise from winning the GT Academy competition on Gran Turismo to real-world success in GT3, Super GT and Le Mans-style events are celebrating his return to a top international championship and speculating that this high-profile Ford deal could reopen the path to a future Le Mans bid.[1][4][5]

Wagner Moura

ACTOR

Wagner Moura is trending because he has just made awards history, becoming the first Brazilian man ever nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a drama film for his role in the political thriller The Secret Agent.[1][2] After winning Best Actor at Cannes in May for the same performance, his intense portrayal of a former professor on the run under Brazil’s dictatorship turned him into a breakout favorite this awards season.[1][2] Social media lit up as he stepped onto the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet in a sharp white double-breasted jacket, celebrated both as a style standout and as a symbol of long-overdue recognition for Brazilian cinema.[1][3] Longtime fans, who first discovered him as Pablo Escobar in Narcos, are now sharing clips and reaction posts, rallying behind the possibility that this historic Golden Globes nod could soon lead to an Oscar nomination.[1][2]

Gerson (footballer, born 1997)

SOCCER PLAYER

Gerson is trending because his move to Brazilian club Cruzeiro has just become the most expensive transfer ever completed by a South American team, a record-breaking deal worth around 30 million euros after tough negotiations with Zenit Saint Petersburg.[1][2] Fans across Brazil are buzzing as the 28-year-old midfielder, who previously shone for Flamengo and gained international experience at Roma, Fiorentina, Marseille, and Zenit, returns home on a four-year contract to lead Cruzeiro’s ambitious new era.[1] Commentators describe the signing as a historic shift in South American football power, proving that local clubs can now compete financially with Europe to attract top talent.[1][2]

Gabriel Barbosa

SOCCER PLAYER

Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, is trending after Santos FC officially announced his emotional return to the club where he first became a star, signing the 29-year-old striker on loan from Cruzeiro for the 2026 season.[1] Fans flooded social media with memories of his teenage breakthroughs at Vila Belmiro and excitement at seeing him share the attack with Neymar again, as the pair aim to revive Santos and impress Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2026 World Cup.[1][2] Gabigol’s comeback is especially dramatic given his recent suspension in a doping rules case and subsequent clearance to resume playing, turning his Santos return into a redemption arc that has captivated Brazilian football followers and pushed his name to the top of trending lists worldwide.[3][1]

Paula Fernandes

SINGER

Brazilian singer Paula Fernandes is trending after announcing a major new 2026 tour, sending fans rushing online to grab tickets and share dates and setlist hopes.[2] Clips of her celebrating the upcoming run, including a widely shared video labeled “Paula Fernandes Celebrating 2026,” have amplified the buzz as viewers react to her excitement and speculate about surprise guests and new arrangements of her hits.[3] Ticket platforms listing fresh dates and venues confirm that this is her most ambitious schedule in years, reinforcing the sense that she is entering a new phase in her career and driving her name to the top of search and social trends worldwide.[2]

Sydney Sweeney

ACTOR

Sydney Sweeney is trending because her dark R-rated thriller The Housemaid has become a surprise box-office smash, earning more than $133 million worldwide in just 17 days on a modest $35 million budget and quickly securing a sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, with her set to return as star and executive producer.[4] At the same time, she ignited social media by posing nude and covered in gold paint for W Magazine’s 2026 Best Performances issue, where her Old Hollywood–inspired look drew comparisons to Marilyn Monroe and racked up hundreds of thousands of likes within an hour.[1][3] The combination of breakout commercial success, provocative high-fashion imagery, and anticipation for her upcoming projects has pushed her to the center of pop-culture conversation.[1][3][4]

Cristiano Ronaldo

SOCCER PLAYER

Cristiano Ronaldo is trending because, at 40, he just scored his first goal of 2026 for Al-Nassr to reach 958 career goals, edging closer to his public ambition of hitting 1,000, even as his team slipped further behind Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League title race.[2] At the same time, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has confirmed that while Ronaldo will go to the 2026 World Cup, he is no longer guaranteed to start every game, facing increased competition as Portugal plan to travel with three strikers to manage his minutes.[1][3] Fans are fiercely debating this late-career balancing act: a record-chasing icon still scoring and extending his contract at Al-Nassr, yet being carefully managed for one last World Cup run, making every goal, selection decision, and post-match comment feel like part of a closing epic chapter in his career.[1][2][3]

Faina Ranevskaya

POLITICIAN

Faina Ranevskaya is trending because a surge of Russian-language social media posts is rediscovering the Soviet star’s fierce wit, pairing her legendary aphorisms with clips from the films and stage roles that made her one of the greatest actresses in both tragedy and comedy.[1][2] Born Faina Feldman in 1896, she rose from a provincial Jewish family to win top Soviet honors like the Stalin Prize and the title People’s Artist of the USSR, yet became just as beloved for her unsparing one-liners about power, hypocrisy, and everyday life.[1][2] As users share her quotes to comment on modern politics and culture, millions are realizing that this long-departed actress speaks to the present with uncanny clarity, turning her into an unlikely posthumous influencer.[2]

Ramzan Kadyrov

POLITICIAN

Ramzan Kadyrov is trending after he abruptly promoted his 20-year-old son Akhmat to acting deputy prime minister of Chechnya, fueling intense debate over dynastic succession in the Russian republic.[2][3] Commentators note that Akhmat already holds multiple senior posts despite his age, reinforcing perceptions that the Kadyrov clan is entrenching a family dynasty.[2][3] The move comes amid renewed reports about Kadyrov’s serious health problems and recent hospitalization in Moscow, prompting speculation that he is quietly preparing a successor.[2][7] International attention spiked further when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quipped that the United States should conduct an operation against “this murderer Kadyrov,” comparing him to captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and tying his fate to broader pressure on Russia.[4] Together, the apparent succession maneuver, health rumors, and Zelensky’s remarks have pushed Kadyrov back into global headlines.

Seryoga

SINGER

Seryoga is trending because fans are rediscovering how the Belarusian rapper turned his tough Gomel childhood into raw, catchy anthems that once earned him the nickname “Slavic Eminem.”[1][3] Clips of his breakout hit “Chyorniy Bumer,” the track that rocketed him up the Russian charts, are circulating again, drawing new listeners to his blend of rapid-fire Russian folk-style chastushki, hip hop beats, and streetwise storytelling.[1][3] As younger audiences share his old videos alongside his more recent tracks, conversations about his journey from boxer to founder of the KingRing label and star of the Russian “Star Factory” show are exploding across social media, turning a veteran artist into a fresh talking point all over again.[1][2][3]

Alexander Gordon (journalist)

PRESENTER

Alexander Gordon is trending because the longtime Kansas City Royals star has just appeared on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, sparking debate about his legacy. Once a top prospect who struggled early, Gordon reinvented himself into an elite left fielder, winning eight Gold Gloves, two Platinum Gloves, making three All-Star teams, and helping lead the Royals to the 2015 World Series title.[2][7] Fans are reliving his clutch postseason hits and highlight-reel defense while analysts dissect whether his run-preventing brilliance can overcome modest offensive numbers on a crowded ballot.[1][2] Articles, interviews, and highlight packages breaking down his candidacy have pushed his name across sports media and social platforms, as many wonder not just if he will reach Cooperstown, but how many votes this Royals icon will earn in his crucial debut year.[1][2][4][7]

Jeffrey Epstein

BUSINESSPERSON

Jeffrey Epstein is trending because a growing political and legal firestorm has erupted over the U.S. Justice Department’s failure to release millions of pages of “Epstein files” by a congressionally mandated deadline, fueling public anger and fresh conspiracy theories about what powerful names might be buried in the records.[2][3] Lawmakers from both parties are accusing the department of evasion and possible cover‑up after it released only a small fraction of the documents and missed the December 19 legal deadline.[1][2][3] A House Oversight Committee push has escalated into subpoenas for key Epstein associates, including billionaire Les Wexner, and the release of tens of thousands of pages from Epstein’s estate.[1][4] Survivors’ attorneys are demanding full transparency, and calls for internal watchdog investigations are mounting, keeping Epstein’s name at the center of news feeds and political debate.[2][3]

Vasily Livanov

ACTOR

Vasily Livanov is trending because the legendary Russian actor, famed worldwide for playing Sherlock Holmes in the Soviet TV films, has just celebrated his 90th birthday, drawing fresh tributes from across the former Soviet Union and beyond.[2][7] Presidents of Russia and Belarus have publicly praised him for a “unique gallery” of roles and for shaping generations’ image of Holmes, reminding audiences that he also voiced beloved Soviet cartoon characters like Crocodile Gena and the King in The Bremen Town Musicians.[1][2] As fans share clips of his sharp, mischievous Holmes and nostalgic animation work, younger viewers are discovering that this soft-spoken nonagenarian, born in 1935 in Moscow, is not only a People’s Artist of Russia but also one of the most influential screen detectives in television history.[2][3][7]

Alina Kabaeva

GYMNAST

Alina Kabaeva is trending because she has re-emerged from years of near-invisibility to appear publicly alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, fueling renewed scrutiny of their long-rumored relationship and her political influence.[1][4][7] Once a rhythmic gymnastics superstar, Kabaeva had largely retreated from the spotlight, even as Western governments sanctioned her over her reported closeness to Putin and role atop a major pro-Kremlin media group.[1][3][6] Now she is back on camera hosting international tournaments for her new Sky Grace academy and sharing an official stage with Putin, a rare joint appearance that Russian state media has heavily promoted.[1][4] The images have set social networks ablaze, as observers debate what her return signals about Kremlin power dynamics, her personal status with Putin, and how much influence this famously private figure may wield behind the scenes in a Russia at war.[1][3][4]

Vladimir Putin

POLITICIAN

Vladimir Putin is trending after Russia launched a rare Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s western Lviv region, close to the European Union border, in what analysts describe as an attempt to intimidate Kyiv’s Western backers and signal his anger over recent diplomatic and economic setbacks.[2][5] The Kremlin claimed the strike was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a Putin residence, which Ukraine denies, while Western leaders accused Moscow of using fabricated pretexts to justify escalating the threat to European security.[2] Commentators note that the Oreshnik, a nuclear-capable weapon reportedly used in combat only once before, was chosen precisely to send a dramatic message to European publics and policymakers, making Putin a central focus of global news coverage and social media debate over how far Russia is prepared to go in its war against Ukraine and confrontation with the West.[2][5]

Xi Jinping

POLITICIAN

Xi Jinping is trending as news feeds erupt with reactions to his sweeping 2026 New Year message, in which he celebrated China’s advances from asteroid probes and cutting-edge aircraft carriers to booming “new quality productive forces,” while vowing tighter party discipline and continued anti-corruption campaigns.[1] At the same time, commentators are dissecting his intensified diplomatic push: high-profile talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Beijing, a congratulatory message to Switzerland’s new president highlighting deeper trade ties, and letters cementing relations with Laos and marking 70 years of China–Africa friendship.[3][5][2][6] His reply to a U.S. youth exchange delegation, citing tens of thousands of participating American students, has further fueled debate about China’s soft power outreach.[9][10] Together, these speeches, letters, and meetings have made Xi the focal point of conversations about where China—and the world—are heading in 2026.

Louis Koo

ACTOR

Louis Koo is trending following the massive success of his action-sci-fi film Back to the Past, which shattered Hong Kong box office records[5]. The film, a continuation of the beloved 2001 TVB series A Step into the Past, reunites Koo with original cast members Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, and Joyce Tang, while introducing new stars like Michael Miu and Bai Baihe[1]. Directed by Ng Yuen-fai and Jack Lai with action choreography by legendary Sammo Hung, the film earned HK$10.91 million on its opening day—the highest first-day performance for a Chinese film ever recorded[5]. The story picks up nineteen years later, drawing Koo's character back to China's Qin Dynasty to battle a time-traveling adversary threatening the empire[3]. Adding to the buzz, Koo revealed the film contains two theatrical endings with a potential third ending in an extended version, contingent on reaching a HK$100 million box office target[2]. Well Go USA has acquired North American distribution rights, bringing the film to theaters on January 30[1].

Jennie (singer)

SINGER

Jennie is trending because her night at the 40th Golden Disc Awards turned into a spectacle of both triumph and controversy: she swept the stage three times to collect major trophies for her solo work, BLACKPINK’s hit song “Run,” and a Global Impact Award, leading fans to nickname the event “the Jennie show.”[2] Her powerful presence in a red-carpet look that dominated social media further fueled the buzz.[4] At the same time, a highly anticipated three-song performance from her million-selling solo album “Ruby” drew fierce online backlash, with critics attacking her live vocals and stage presence even as supporters defended her.[5] The clash between awards glory, viral fashion, and heated debate over her performance has pushed Jennie to the top of trending lists worldwide.

Qin Shi Huang

POLITICIAN

Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, is trending after archaeologists in Shaanxi announced the discovery of a 13-kilometer stretch of his legendary Qin Straight Road, part of a 2,200-year-old, nearly 900-kilometer “superhighway” that once moved troops across his vast new empire.[3][8] News reports describe how this colossal project, built by filling valleys and leveling mountains, rivals modern infrastructure in scale and ambition, renewing global fascination with the ruler who unified China and ordered the construction of the Great Wall and his vast mausoleum guarded by the Terracotta Army.[2][3][7] The find not only confirms ancient chronicles but also sparks fresh debate about opening his still-sealed tomb, believed to contain rivers of mercury and intricate traps, highlighting how Qin Shi Huang’s grand visions and deadly obsessions continue to shape both history and archaeology today.[5][6][7]

Wang Hongwen

POLITICIAN

I cannot write the requested mini-story because the search results do not indicate that Wang Hongwen is currently trending as of January 12, 2026. Wang Hongwen was a member of the original Gang of Four during China's Cultural Revolution era, and while he appears in these search results in historical context and comparative references, there is no evidence in the provided sources that he is trending today. The search results discuss China's state media labeling Hong Kong pro-democracy figures as a "new Gang of Four" in 2019, and mention Wang Hongwen only as a historical figure for comparison. To write an accurate story about why he is trending, I would need search results that explicitly document current trending activity or recent news about Wang Hongwen.

Chiang Kai-shek

MILITARY PERSONNEL

As news networks replay footage of Chinese warships circling Taiwan and analysts retell how the island split from the mainland in 1949, Chiang Kai-shek is suddenly back in the spotlight, trending across social media.[2][3] Viewers learn that Taiwan became the refuge of Chiang’s Nationalist government after it lost the civil war to Mao Zedong, a turning point that still defines today’s confrontation over the island’s status.[2][3] At the same time, lifestyle segments show plum blossoms blooming at Chiang’s former mountain retreat in Taoyuan, now a tourist draw for the upcoming Jiaobanshan Plum Blossom Festival, adding vivid images to his renewed relevance.[6] As military commentators, history buffs, and travelers all invoke his name for different reasons, Chiang Kai-shek’s legacy has fused with breaking news and seasonal scenery, driving a sharp spike in searches and shares worldwide.[2][3][6]

Raymond Lam

ACTOR

Raymond Lam is trending because his long-awaited comeback has exploded globally: his new historical sci‑fi film Back to the Past just shattered Hong Kong’s opening-day box office record for a Chinese movie and was swiftly acquired by Well Go USA for North American release, turning him into the face of a surprise blockbuster beyond Asia.[5][6][8] At the same time, the Hong Kong star is riding a 25-year career high with his “Go With The Flow” world tour, including sold-out concerts in Hong Kong and a special Tokyo showcase tied to his hit film, before heading to Australia in February 2026 for headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne.[1][3][4][7] The combination of record-breaking cinema success and an international concert run has pushed his name back into feeds worldwide.

Xiang Yu

POLITICIAN

Xiang Yu, the brilliant warlord who rose from peasant rebellion to nearly rule all of China, continues to captivate modern audiences as a tragic hero whose ambition ultimately destroyed him.[2][3] Born into a line of Chu generals, he rapidly ascended through military prowess, becoming the Hegemon-King of Western Chu by age 26 after helping topple the Qin dynasty in 206 BCE.[3] Yet his arrogance and cruelty alienated allies while his rival Liu Bang gained supporters through generosity and administrative skill.[2] Despite winning numerous battles, Xiang Yu lost ground as rebellions and shifting alliances strengthened Liu Bang's position.[3] Trapped in the city of Gaixia with his dwindling forces, Xiang Yu watched his lover Lady Yu commit suicide before he single-handedly killed a hundred enemies in a final stand, ultimately taking his own life in 202 BCE.[2][3] His story of meteoric rise and devastating fall has been retold for two millennia through countless films, television shows, and plays, making him an enduring symbol of how military genius alone cannot guarantee political victory.

Lin Yun-ju

ATHLETE

Lin Yun-ju is trending because the 24-year-old Taiwanese table tennis star just ended a 26-month title drought by storming to the men’s singles crown at the WTT Champions Doha 2026. Ranked world No. 13, he ripped through the field and then dominated South Korea’s Jang Woo-jin 11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 13-11 in the final, completing a 4–0 sweep in just 41 minutes.[2][3][4] The victory is his first WTT men’s singles title since winning the Champions Frankfurt event in 2023, earning him US$40,000, 1,000 ranking points, and a likely return to the world’s top 10.[2][3][4] His sharp left-handed spin, clutch comebacks from early deficits, and emotional comments about proving his perseverance after two years without a singles trophy have fueled global buzz and highlight reels.[2][3][4]