Wie is vandaag trending?

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Politicus

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi is trending because his son, Reza Pahlavi, heir to the deposed Persian throne, has surged back into the spotlight by publicly positioning himself as a potential leader of Iran’s political transition.[1][2] As protests intensify across Iran, many demonstrators chant in support of his return, reviving debate over his father’s controversial legacy as the last Shah and the 1979 revolution that overthrew him.[1] In recent interviews, Reza Pahlavi has declared he is ready to return to Iran “at the first opportunity” to help guide the country toward a secular, democratic system chosen by referendum, not necessarily a restored monarchy.[1][2] This direct challenge to the Islamic Republic, coupled with growing street unrest, has pushed renewed interest in Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s rule, making his name trend as people search for historical context behind today’s unfolding power struggle.[1]

Reza Pahlavi (1960)

Edelman

Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran, is trending because he has moved from being a symbolic exile to an active opposition leader, calling on Iranians to sustain mass street protests and launch nationwide strikes against the Islamic Republic.[1][2] In recent televised and online messages, he has urged demonstrators to seize city centers, coordinate from multiple routes, and cut the regime’s economic lifelines by mobilizing workers in oil, gas, transport, and energy.[2] He has declared that the Islamic Republic is nearing collapse and announced he is preparing to return to Iran to stand beside protesters in what he calls a “national revolution.”[1][2][5] International media are spotlighting how his detailed strategy for non‑violent civil resistance and a future secular, democratic system has turned him into a central figure in the unfolding anti‑government uprising.[1][3][7]

Adrien de Gerlache

Ontdekkingsreiziger

Adrien de Gerlache is trending because Belgium’s high-tech research vessel Belgica II is finally returning to sea after an 18‑month legal dispute, reviving the legacy of the historic ship he once commanded.[1] The original Belgica, led by de Gerlache from 1897 to 1899, carried the first Antarctic expedition focused on scientific observation and became the first ship ever to overwinter in the Antarctic pack ice.[4][3] As news reports explain that today’s Belgica II is the third vessel to bear the famous name, they highlight how de Gerlache and his young international crew turned an icebound crisis into pioneering polar science, mapping uncharted coasts and collecting biological samples.[1][3] This combination of contemporary maritime news and renewed interest in his trailblazing Antarctic voyage has pushed Adrien de Gerlache back into the spotlight.

Ardon Jashari

Voetballer

Ardon Jashari is trending following AC Milan's 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on January 11, 2026, where the Swiss midfielder made a notable appearance in a rare dual midfield pairing with Samuele Ricci[3][6]. This matchup captured fan attention because Jashari had only recently returned from a devastating compound right fibula fracture that sidelined him for over two months[1]. His comeback has been carefully managed by coach Massimiliano Allegri, with Jashari gradually ramping up his involvement after initially being deployed sparingly[1][2]. The intrigue intensified as supporters watched whether the 22-year-old, who won the Golden Boot in Belgium before his summer transfer from Club Brugge[4], could reclaim his form alongside Milan's other new midfield signings. The draw itself, combined with Jashari's cautious but meaningful reintegration into Milan's tactical setup, has sparked discussion about the team's midfield depth and his role in their Serie A campaign[3].

David Bowie

Zanger

David Bowie is trending this week as the world marks the 10th anniversary of his death on January 10th. The legendary musician's passing in 2016 continues to resonate deeply with fans and the cultural landscape, but this particular milestone has reignited widespread remembrance across social media and news outlets. Adding a poignant personal touch to the commemoration, Bowie's widow Iman honored the occasion by getting a tattoo of the iconic Blackstar symbol from his final album. The ★ symbol, designed by Jonathan Barnbrook, carries profound meaning—representing mortality, darkness, and the cyclical nature of the universe, themes that defined Bowie's haunting final work. In an Instagram post accompanying the tattoo reveal, Iman wrote, "The pain didn't vanish.. It left in its place a loving permanent mark. #BowieForever," capturing the enduring impact of the artist's legacy. This touching tribute has amplified conversations about Bowie's artistic genius and his indelible influence on music and culture, ensuring his name dominates trending topics during this reflective anniversary.

Sonja Haraldsen

Metgezel

Queen Sonja of Norway is trending because, after a year marked by health scares—including hospitalization for atrial fibrillation and fitting of a pacemaker—she was dramatically airlifted to Oslo University Hospital with new breathing difficulties during the Easter holidays, prompting fresh concern for the 88-year-old queen consort’s condition and workload.[3][4]

Farah Diba

Politicus

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has thrust his family back into the global spotlight as massive anti-government protests sweep across Iran, driven by economic collapse and decades of repression under the Islamic Republic.[1][2] The 65-year-old son of the late Shah, who fled after the 1979 revolution, has emerged as a rallying figure for demonstrators, using social media and Farsi-language satellite channels to call Iranians onto the streets and urging them to seize control of their towns.[1][2] Following Israeli airstrikes in 2025 that killed top Iranian generals, Pahlavi declared himself ready to lead a transitional government if the regime falls, unveiling a 100-day plan for interim administration.[3] His controversial 2023 visit to Israel and meetings with Israeli leaders have polarized opinion, with some viewing him as a pragmatic alternative and others labeling him a traitor.[2][3] As younger Iranians born after the Shah's rule increasingly embrace nationalist sentiment and demand fundamental change rather than reform, Pahlavi's family name and decades-long advocacy for democracy have positioned him as a potential figurehead for Iran's uncertain future.[1][3]

Marco Rubio

Politicus

Marco Rubio is trending because, as secretary of state, he has become the public face of the Trump administration’s dramatic military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, thrusting him into the center of global debate over who will shape Venezuela’s future.[1][4] Rubio has appeared across major news shows outlining a three-part plan to stabilize the country, reopen its oil sector to U.S. and Western companies, and push for reconciliation and amnesty, even as Trump boasts that the United States is “in charge” in Caracas.[1][3][4] His high-profile role, memes casting him as a de facto Venezuelan leader, and growing Republican chatter that this foreign policy gamble could define a potential 2028 presidential run have combined to drive his name to the top of political trend lists.[1][2]

Donald Trump

Politicus

President Trump is trending as his administration enters its second week with a flurry of consequential policy moves.[2] On January 7, Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, marking an aggressive pivot toward what his administration calls "America First" priorities.[2] These withdrawals follow Trump's immediate actions to exit the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, along with withdrawals from the UN Human Rights Council and defunding of the UN Relief and Works Agency.[2] Simultaneously, Trump has been weighing military options against Iran in response to its crackdown on protesters, with three officials confirming to NBC News that the president is considering a range of actions.[1] The combination of sweeping international disengagements, significant shifts in foreign policy, and domestic priorities like infrastructure and border security has kept Trump at the center of news cycles, capturing attention across political and international spheres as his administration reshapes American engagement with global institutions.

Ali Khamenei

Politicus

Ali Khamenei is trending because Iran’s supreme leader is at the center of a fast‑escalating nationwide uprising, where protesters are blaming him personally for economic collapse, political repression, and deadly crackdowns. Night after night, crowds in dozens of cities chant “Death to Khamenei” and vow that “Khamenei will be overthrown,” even as security forces fire live ammunition, leaving scores dead and thousands arrested.[2][3] His recent speech dismissing demonstrators as “rioters” and “saboteurs” and signaling harsher punishment has only intensified anger.[1][3] Women are sharing viral videos of themselves burning his portrait and using the flames to light cigarettes, a defiant rejection of both his religious authority and Iran’s strict social rules.[4] World leaders, meanwhile, are openly debating whether his regime can survive the crisis, making Khamenei a focal point of global news and social media.[2][3]

Sven Nys

Wielrenner

Sven Nys is trending because the New Year’s Day cyclocross race that bears his name, the GP Sven Nys in Baal, Belgium, just opened the 2026 season with spectacular performances and heavy media attention. Once a dominant world champion rider himself, Nys is now celebrated as a legend whose home-town course has become a traditional curtain-raiser for the sport.[2][6] This year’s edition kept his legacy in the spotlight as world champion Mathieu van der Poel powered to a solo victory in the men’s race, while Lucinda Brand extended her winning streak in the women’s event, both achievements widely shared across cycling news and social media, pulling Sven Nys’s name back into the global conversation.[1][3][4][5][6]

Erben Wennemars

Atleet

Former Dutch speed skating star Erben Wennemars is trending after he publicly criticized the controversial Olympic selection that chose Marcel Bosker over Tim Prins for the Milan 2026 Games, questioning whether the federation truly picked the skater with the best medal chances.[2] Fans are sharing clips of the outspoken commentator, noting how his own Olympic history—two bronzes in Turin 2006 and a career often described as “unfinished business” because he never won gold—sharpens his views on fair selection.[3] The debate has collided with renewed attention on his family legacy, as his son Joep emerges as a 1000m favorite after a world title and a blazing national championship win, aiming to secure the Olympic crown Erben never captured.[1][3]

Fairuz

Zanger

Fairuz is trending because the legendary Lebanese singer, now in her nineties, has quietly resurfaced at the center of Arab conversations after fans shared rare archive footage and revisited her anthems in light of renewed turmoil in Lebanon and Palestine, reminding millions why she is called “the voice of Lebanon” and “our ambassador to the stars.”[1][3][5] As listeners loop songs like “Zahrat al-Mada’in” and her nostalgic hymns to Beirut, younger audiences are discovering that the woman behind more than a thousand songs and 80 million albums sold still unites Arabs across religions and borders, turning old recordings into a living soundtrack for longing, resilience, and home.[1][2][5]

Hossam Hassan

Voetballer

Hossam Hassan is trending because, as Egypt’s head coach, he has just led the Pharaohs on a dramatic surge in major competitions and spoken boldly about their future. After guiding Egypt to a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal win over Ivory Coast, he praised his players as “true Egyptians” fighting for their people and outlined a philosophy built on character and ambition.[6][7] At the same time, he is in the spotlight for insisting Egypt must “show a better face” at the 2026 World Cup after a favourable draw with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, arguing his squad can finally surpass the country’s poor past World Cup record.[1] His outspoken criticism of the decision to stage AFCON every four years, and his call to keep it every two, has further fuelled debate and driven his name up the trending lists.[2][5]

Patrice Lumumba

Politicus

Patrice Lumumba is trending because people worldwide are commemorating the approaching anniversary of his assassination on January 17, 1961, and debating his legacy as the Congo’s first democratically elected prime minister and a symbol of African anti-colonial struggle.[1][2][4] As events are organized to mark “Lumumba Day” in 2026, activists highlight how he was overthrown and killed with the complicity of Belgium and other Western powers, then secretly disposed of so completely that only a single tooth remained, which Belgium finally returned to his family in 2022.[1][2][3] This mix of remembrance, renewed calls for justice, and powerful images of his lone surviving tooth coming home has driven fresh social media discussion, making Lumumba’s story suddenly urgent for a new generation.

Mia Khalifa

Pornografisch acteur

Mia Khalifa is trending after being revealed as the new muse and campaign face for London fashion label Peachy Den’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, a high-profile shift that spotlights her evolution from former adult-film performer to mainstream model and entrepreneur.[1] In the widely shared campaign, she embodies a bold, “limitless” femininity that mixes sensuality with streetwear, draped in sharp tailoring, animal prints, and faux fur that nod to 1970s glam-disco London.[1] Fans are circulating clips and images from the shoot, praising how she leverages her visibility to redefine her public image, while fashion watchers debate what her involvement says about changing standards of representation and inclusivity in contemporary style culture.[1]

Lamine Yamal

Voetballer

Lamine Yamal is trending because the 18-year-old Barcelona forward has just been ranked the most valuable player in world football, with the CIES Football Observatory valuing him at about €343 million, ahead of stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.[1][4] His viral rise is fueled by back-to-back LaLiga Player of the Month awards in November and December, where he drove Barcelona to four wins to close 2025.[2][5] Fans are also sharing clips of his skill and composure in huge games, including intense recent clashes with Real Madrid that underline his new role as Barça’s talisman.[2][3][6] All of this has made Yamal not just a prodigy, but the headline name in football’s future.

Nouri al-Maliki

Politicus

Nouri al-Maliki is trending because Iraq’s powerful Shiite Coordination Framework has nominated the former two-term prime minister as its consensus candidate to lead the next government, clearing the way for a possible third term in office after incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew from the race and backed him.[1][2][3][5] The State of Law Coalition, which Maliki heads, has declared him the sole nominee of the ruling bloc, as party meetings in Baghdad frame his return as key to political stability and managing Iraq’s current financial strains.[3][4][5] His potential comeback is sparking intense debate because his 2006–2014 tenure ended amid the rise of ISIS and longstanding corruption allegations, yet allies argue that many Iraqis remember that era for relative economic prosperity, making his reemergence a pivotal moment in Iraq’s post-2003 politics.[1][3][4]

Reza Shah Pahlavi

Politicus

Reza Shah’s name is trending because Iranians protesting the Islamic Republic are reviving memories of the Pahlavi monarchy and rallying around his exiled grandson, Reza Pahlavi, as a symbol of opposition and possible future change.[2][4][5] As economic crisis and political repression drive massive demonstrations, Pahlavi’s televised and online calls for nationwide protests and strikes have helped fuel the latest wave of unrest, sending his family name surging across social media.[2][4][5] Many protesters chant slogans praising the pre-1979 era and share clips of Pahlavi promising a democratic future chosen by referendum, not imposed monarchy, turning “Reza Shah” and “Reza Pahlavi” into shorthand for rejecting the current regime and imagining an alternative political order.[2][4][5]

Victor Osimhen

Voetballer

Victor Osimhen is trending because his explosive form is driving Nigeria’s stunning run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored the opener and created the second goal in a 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria to send the Super Eagles into the semi-finals.[2][4] His AFCON performances add to a remarkable year in which he became the most prolific African scorer of 2025 with 46 goals in all competitions.[6] For Nigeria, he now has 35 goals and 14 assists in 51 games, bringing him close to Rashidi Yekini’s legendary national record and fueling debate over whether he is the country’s greatest ever striker.[3] As former stars line up to praise his blend of goals, assists, and relentless pressing, fans worldwide are sharing clips, stats, and comparisons that keep his name at the top of every football conversation.[2][3][5][6]

Omar Marmoush

Voetballer

Omar Marmoush is trending as Manchester City's Egyptian forward finds himself at the center of a high-stakes transfer battle in January 2026[1][2]. The 26-year-old, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for €70 million just a year ago, has struggled for playing time this season with only two Premier League starts[1][2]. While representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, his representatives are reportedly negotiating a potential move away from the club[2]. Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a transfer tug-of-war for his signature, with Villa manager Unai Emery eager to strengthen his squad as it challenges for the Premier League title[2]. Tottenham views Marmoush as a versatile alternative after missing out on Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who instead joined City[2]. Despite his impressive form last season with seven goals and two assists in 16 Premier League matches, Marmoush's current availability and the competitive interest from two top clubs have made him one of football's hottest transfer stories heading into the winter window[1][2].

Helene Fischer

Zanger

Helene Fischer is trending because the German Schlager superstar has launched a massive 360° stadium tour for summer 2026, celebrating her 20-year career with spectacular in-the-round shows across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and ticket sales have exploded past hundreds of thousands of seats within days.[1][2][4] Fans are sharing clips and photos from her press conferences and promotional appearances, where she promises a cutting-edge open-air production that puts her literally in the middle of the crowd, raising expectations after her record-breaking 2023 arena run.[1][4][7] Buzz has intensified as additional dates were added in major stadiums like Frankfurt and Cologne to meet demand, turning her anniversary tour into one of the most talked-about European live events of 2026 and driving nonstop discussion, reposts, and speculation about setlists and special moments online.[1][2][4]

Stefan Kuntz

Voetballer

Stefan Kuntz is trending because German media have reported that the former Hamburg sporting director is under investigation over allegations of sexual harassment during his time at the club, after female employees reportedly interpreted his comments as harassment and filed complaints.[1][3] An external law firm interviewed those involved and reportedly found the statements credible, sparking intense public debate and online reaction.[1] The story gained further momentum when it emerged that Kuntz’s departure from Hamburg, initially presented as being for family reasons, may have been linked to these accusations.[1][4][5] Kuntz has publicly responded, issuing a firm denial of the allegations and announcing legal action against what he calls false accusations and prejudgments, which has only increased media coverage and social media discussion.[1][2]

Simon MacCorkindale

Acteur

I cannot write this response as requested because the search results do not indicate why Simon MacCorkindale is currently trending on January 12, 2026. The available information only documents his death on October 14, 2010, from bowel cancer at age 58, along with details about his acting career in productions like "Manimal," "Falcon Crest," and "Casualty."[1][2][3] To explain why he is trending today, I would need current information about recent events, anniversaries, media coverage, or cultural moments connected to him. Without that context, I cannot accurately fulfill your request to explain the reason for his current trending status.

Ruja Ignatova

Ondernemer

Ruja Ignatova, the vanished “Cryptoqueen” behind the fake cryptocurrency OneCoin that stole billions from investors worldwide, is trending because courts and pop culture are suddenly closing in on her legacy at the same time.[1][5] A UK court has ordered a worldwide freeze on her assets as victims chase back their money, while a separate court has set a deadline in late 2025 to seize more of her fortune unless she resurfaces to fight it.[1][2] At the same time, a new TV drama, “Take the Money and Run,” has reignited public fascination by portraying how she allegedly duped millions and then disappeared, leaving investigators, filmmakers, and viewers to debate whether the FBI’s most wanted “Cryptoqueen” is still alive and hiding—or watching it all from the shadows.[3][5]

Peter Ustinov

Acteur

Peter Ustinov is trending because a new wave of online tributes is celebrating the Oscar-winning actor and UNICEF goodwill ambassador on the anniversary of his death, reminding audiences how his witty turns as Nero and Hercule Poirot sat beside a lifelong commitment to humanitarian work and world citizenship.[1][2][4][5][6] Clips of his talk-show appearances and interviews, where he shifts effortlessly between accents while telling stories from his six decades in film and theatre, are being widely shared, sparking interest in his role as a global advocate for children and as president of the World Federalist Movement.[1][4][5][6] As younger viewers discover him through streaming services and viral compilations, fans are using social media to highlight how this British “international citizen,” as he called himself, made kindness and curiosity as central to his legacy as his celebrated performances.[1][5][6]

Mia Farrow

Acteur

Mia Farrow is trending because, at 80 years old, the iconic Rosemary’s Baby star has just earned her first Tony Award nomination for her acclaimed performance in the play The Roommate, a late-career triumph that has surprised and delighted fans.[1] Known primarily for her film work, Farrow has long considered the stage her real artistic home, and her nuanced turn in the now-closed production drew rave reactions, including repeated visits from her son, Pulitzer-winning journalist Ronan Farrow.[1] Her rare public appearance with Ronan at the 2025 Tony Awards further fueled online buzz, as audiences celebrated both her longevity and long-overlooked theater credentials.[1][3] Interviews in which she reflects calmly on her past with Woody Allen, saying she holds no grudge against actors who work with him, have added another layer of renewed public interest in her life and career.[2]

Bob Weir

Muzikant

Bob Weir is trending because the legendary guitarist, singer, and founding member of the Grateful Dead has died at age 78, prompting a global wave of grief, tributes, and remembrance.[1][4] Fans and fellow musicians are flooding social media with clips of him leading classics like “Sugar Magnolia” and “One More Saturday Night,” while crowds gather in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, where the band first took shape, to play his music and leave flowers and artwork in his honor.[3][4] News reports say Weir had recently beaten cancer but succumbed to underlying lung issues, making his final performances last summer feel, in retrospect, like a final gift to fans.[1][4] Political leaders, including California’s governor, have issued statements praising him as a pioneer of psychedelic rock whose songs helped “create the soundtrack of a generation,” fueling the surge of searches and tributes in his name.[2][4]

Timothy Busfield

Acteur

Timothy Busfield is trending because authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant charging the Emmy-winning actor and director with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, after a boy who worked as a child actor on the TV series The Cleaning Lady alleged that Busfield inappropriately touched him multiple times between 2022 and 2024 while on set.[2][3][4]

Josh Allen

American footballspeler

Josh Allen is trending because he just dragged the Buffalo Bills to a dramatic 27-24 wild-card playoff win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, snapping the franchise’s decades-long road playoff drought with a late, game-winning touchdown run. Battered by hand, knee, and foot injuries and twice sent to the medical tent, the reigning NFL MVP still completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards, threw a fourth-quarter touchdown to Dalton Kincaid, and added two rushing scores, including the decisive 1-yard plunge in the final minute that capped a 66-yard drive and flipped win probability almost single-handedly.[1][2][3][4]

Trevor Lawrence

American footballspeler

Trevor Lawrence is trending after a dramatic Wild Card playoff loss in which the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback threw three touchdown passes but also two costly interceptions against the Buffalo Bills, including one on the game’s final play that sealed a 27–24 defeat.[3][4][6] Lawrence had kept Jacksonville’s storybook season alive with a late surge, firing two fourth-quarter touchdowns and repeatedly challenging a conservative Bills defense designed to prevent big plays.[3][4] Afterward, he candidly broke down how Buffalo’s cover-two looks and “shell top-down” strategy disrupted the Jaguars’ timing, admitting he was late on a crucial throw that was picked off and saying he has to “live with” those turnovers.[1][4] The mix of explosive highlights, narrow elimination, and his reflective postgame comments has fueled intense online debate about his performance and future.

Bruce Lee

Acteur

Bruce Lee is trending because a new wave of motivational content is using his philosophy to help people reset their mindset for 2026, urging them to trade comfort and excuses for discipline, focus, and emotional control.[1] A widely shared New Year video breaks down his “master the mind” approach, arguing that his success came less from flashy technique and more from mental clarity and relentless self-improvement.[1] At the same time, business media are resurfacing his quotes about adaptability and resilience, such as his advice to adjust to obstacles rather than crash against them, and to see defeat as a temporary state rather than a final outcome.[2][3] Together, these reminders of his ideas are turning Bruce Lee into a modern guide for people trying to push past distraction, failure, and fear as they enter a new year.[1][2][3]

Melissa Gilbert

Acteur

Melissa Gilbert is trending because the former Little House on the Prairie star has abruptly deleted her Instagram account just as her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, faces highly publicized charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse in New Mexico, tied to allegations from two child actors on the TV series The Cleaning Lady.[1][4] Fans, stunned to find her once-active profile suddenly “not available,” are revisiting her recent, now-unavailable posts about child abuse and scrutinizing her silence as news circulates that a judge has issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest, pushing Gilbert back into the spotlight in a way that contrasts sharply with her nostalgic TV image and recent headlines about healing old feuds with former costar Melissa Sue Anderson.[1][2][3]

Jerry Garcia

Muzikant

Jerry Garcia is trending because fans are flooding social media with tributes tied to Jerry Day 2026 in San Francisco and the annual “Days Between” celebrations of his August 1 birthday and August 9 death.[4][2] Posts from Deadheads share plans to pack the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater for the free Jerry Day concert, which has become a major gathering devoted to the Grateful Dead guitarist’s music and community spirit.[1][3][4] At the same time, radio specials and retrospectives are resurfacing around the 30th anniversary period of his passing, prompting new listeners to discover his improvisational guitar work and older fans to reminisce about legendary shows.[2][5] The overlap of live events, commemorative broadcasts, and milestone anniversaries has pushed Garcia’s name back into trending lists as another generation embraces his enduring legacy.[1][2][4]

Tom Blyth

Acteur

Tom Blyth is trending following the global Netflix release of People We Meet on Vacation on January 9, 2026, where he stars alongside Emily Bader[2]. The film has generated significant buzz, with fans eager to learn about the actor's personal life after witnessing his on-screen chemistry with Bader. However, the intrigue extends beyond the movie itself: Blyth's relationship status has captured public attention, as he is currently dating Daniela Norman, a fact that surprised viewers who wondered if his chemistry with Bader translated to real life[1]. The couple made their red carpet debut together in September 2025 at Paris Fashion Week and have since appeared at multiple high-profile events, including the BFI Film Festival and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery launch[1]. Their relatively private relationship, combined with the timing of the film's release and Blyth's rising profile as an actor, has made him a focal point of entertainment discourse and social media conversation.

Hailee Steinfeld

Acteur

Hailee Steinfeld is trending because she just walked the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet in a soft pink gown that proudly revealed her baby bump, marking her first major appearance since announcing she is expecting her first child with her husband, NFL star Josh Allen.[1][2] Fans and media are buzzing over how she balanced the glow of impending motherhood with the excitement of awards season, as her film Sinners is nominated for seven awards.[1] Her newsletter announcement, where she reflected on turning 29 and closed with a sweet video revealing the pregnancy, already had people talking, but the Golden Globes moment turned that private joy into a cinematic, viral image that social media cannot stop sharing.[1]

Robert Oppenheimer

Natuurkundige

J. Robert Oppenheimer is trending because his complex legacy as the “father of the atomic bomb” has been thrust back into public debate by renewed attention to nuclear weapons, ethics in science, and American history, amplified by the recent wave of books, documentaries, and ongoing analysis that followed the blockbuster biographical film about his life.

Bruce Willis

Acteur

Bruce Willis is trending because his family and friends are sharing new, candid updates about his life with frontotemporal dementia, reminding fans how sharply his world has changed since he retired from acting in 2022 due to aphasia.[3][5] Recent reports detail how the disease has severely affected his ability to speak, read, and walk, requiring full-time care, while coverage of his daughter Rumer’s emotional reflections and wife Emma’s efforts to correct exaggerated rumors has drawn intense public attention.[2][3][5] At the same time, Demi Moore’s nostalgic stories about their early years together and her ongoing support for his care have sparked widespread conversation about his legacy, his blended family’s solidarity, and the realities of living with a progressive brain disorder.[1][3][6]

Michelle Pfeiffer

Acteur

Michelle Pfeiffer is trending because the Oscar-nominated star has revealed she plans to step back from Hollywood in 2026 so she can devote herself to being a hands-on grandmother, after her daughter Claudia Rose welcomed a baby in 2024.[1][6] In recent interviews, she explained that becoming a grandmother has completely shifted her priorities, describing the experience as “heaven” and saying she wants to spend her remaining time “meaningfully” with family rather than on nonstop film sets.[1][5] Fans amplified the news when Pfeiffer shared a rare, playful photo of herself turned into a “Christmas tree” by her grandchild’s homemade decorations, giving the internet a warm, funny glimpse of her new role.[2][4] The combination of a beloved screen icon scaling back major projects and openly embracing grandmotherhood has made her a major talking point across entertainment news and social media.[1][2]

Samuel Le Bihan

Acteur

I cannot write the requested mini-story because the search results do not indicate why Samuel Le Bihan is currently trending as of January 12, 2026. While the search results confirm he is a well-known French actor[2] with an extensive career spanning from the late 1980s to present, including notable roles in films like "Brotherhood of the Wolf"[2] and the TV series "Alex Hugo"[6], they do not provide specific information about what has made him trend recently. The most recent dated reference in the results is from October 2025, showing him attending a photo retrospective in Paris[5], but this does not explain current trending status. To accurately fulfill your request, I would need search results that specifically address recent news or events involving Samuel Le Bihan from January 2026.

Gary Cooper

Acteur

Gary Cooper is trending because film fans are commemorating the legendary American actor on a milestone anniversary of his birth, revisiting how the Montana-born star became Hollywood’s archetypal “strong, silent” hero across a 35-year career.[1][3][4] Clips and retrospectives highlight his transformation from silent-film extra to leading man, especially his Oscar-winning performances as WWI hero Alvin York in Sergeant York and embattled marshal Will Kane in High Noon, roles that cemented his image as the embodiment of quiet courage and moral resolve.[1][3][4] Articles also note that the Academy gave him a special honorary award in 1961, shortly before his death from cancer at age 60, prompting many to see him as the end of a certain frontier-era vision of America.[2][4][5]

Luca Zidane

Voetballer

Luca Zidane is trending because the 27-year-old goalkeeper has emerged as the unexpected star of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations run, breaking an AFCON record by keeping three consecutive clean sheets and surpassing the mark set by Mohamed Haniched in 1996.[1] Called up only months ago, the Granada CF keeper has seized his chance after an injury to Alexandre Oukidja, helping Algeria reach the knockout rounds without conceding a goal.[1][2] The story is amplified by his famous lineage: son of Zinedine Zidane, he chose to represent his grandparents’ country and is now shining in Morocco with his father watching from the stands.[2][3] Fans are captivated by the mix of family legacy, national pride, and a new Algerian number one writing his own history on one of Africa’s biggest stages.[1][3]

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Acteur

Daisy Edgar-Jones is trending because Estée Lauder has just named the British actor its newest global brand ambassador, marking her high-profile debut in the beauty world and sparking intense online buzz.[1][3][4] Fans who loved her in Normal People, Where the Crawdads Sing, and the blockbuster Twisters are sharing the news as she steps into a role fronting Estée Lauder’s skincare, makeup, and fragrance campaigns, with her first ads set to launch in early February.[1][3][4] Beauty followers are dissecting every released image and quote, especially her remark that joining the legendary cosmetics house “feels surreal,” while industry watchers note how her aspirational yet approachable image perfectly fits the brand’s next-gen strategy.[1][3][4]

Maria Schell

Acteur

Maria Schell is trending because film fans are rediscovering the Austrian‑Swiss actress on what would be her 100th birthday, celebrating a career that once made her one of the brightest stars of 1950s and 1960s German cinema.[2] Clips and tributes highlight how she won major festival prizes, including the Cannes Best Actress Award for The Last Bridge and the Volpi Cup for Gervaise, while her emotional style earned her the nickname “little soul.”[2] Younger viewers are surprised to learn that this acclaimed European star later appeared as the Kryptonian council member Vond‑Ah in Richard Donner’s Superman, giving her a lasting Hollywood connection.[1][3] As centenary retrospectives roll out and classic films resurface on streaming and repertory screens, curiosity about the once‑ubiquitous Maria Schell has spiked, pushing her name back into global search trends.[1][2]

Yuja Wang

Muzikant

Yuja Wang is trending because the celebrated Chinese pianist has just been appointed Artist Collaborator, Piano at Philadelphia’s prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, returning to her alma mater to mentor the next generation while leading innovative collaborations that signal a “bold commitment” to Curtis’s next century.[1][4] The buzz is amplified by announcements of high-profile upcoming performances, including a one-night-only appearance with the Orlando Philharmonic in 2026 and major dates with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, reinforcing her status as one of today’s most in-demand virtuosos.[2][3][5][6]

Maurizio Gucci

Modeontwerper

Patrizia Reggiani

Extremist

Rob Schneider

Acteur

Millie Bobby Brown

Acteur

Millie Bobby Brown is trending because she just revealed a major new chapter in her career: a Walmart fashion line called Mills by Millie Bobby Brown, designed for teens and young women and sold online and in hundreds of Walmart stores.[2][4] Stepping beyond her Stranger Things fame, she announced the collection as a “love letter” to her younger self, filled with playful ready-to-wear pieces, sleepwear, and intimates that reflect her personal style while staying affordable, with prices starting around ten dollars.[2][3][4] Fans are sharing her Instagram announcement and early photos of the clothes, excited that a global star is offering trend-focused outfits that are meant to be inclusive, accessible, and experimental, turning a simple product launch into a buzzy cultural moment about growing up, owning your image, and dressing with confidence.[2][3][4]

Goldie Hawn

Acteur

Walter Matthau

Acteur

Jack Lemmon

Acteur

Matthias Corvinus

Politicus

John Hunyadi

Politicus

Stephen Hawking

Natuurkundige

Konrad Lorenz

Bioloog

Konrad Lorenz is trending because people are revisiting the startling films and photos of him being trailed by a line of goslings, newly hatched birds that had “imprinted” on him instead of their mother after he showed that chicks bond for life with the first moving figure they see. His pioneering studies of imprinting and instinctive “fixed action patterns” in geese and other animals helped create modern ethology, the science of animal behavior, and earned him the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. As debates about animal minds, human aggression, and our impact on nature intensify, his once-radical ideas about inborn behavior and environmental responsibility are being rediscovered, sparking both admiration for his experiments and renewed criticism of his more controversial views.

Scott McTominay

Voetballer

Scott McTominay is trending because he rescued Napoli with a stunning brace in a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Serie A leaders Inter Milan, twice dragging the champions level at San Siro despite a long injury list that has stretched their squad to the limit.[1][3] His goals in the 26th and 81st minutes cancelled out strikes from Federico Dimarco and Hakan Calhanoglu, preserving Napoli’s title challenge and underlining why he was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player last season after leading their previous pursuit of the Scudetto.[2][3] After the match, McTominay spoke passionately about Napoli’s refusal to give up, likening their injury crisis to Inter losing stars like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella, which further endeared him to fans and amplified the online buzz around his performance and leadership.[1][5]

Donyell Malen

Voetballer

Donyell Malen is trending because his explosive scoring run for Aston Villa has turned him into one of the Premier League’s most in-form forwards, pushing the club up the table and into the spotlight.[1][6] After arriving from the Bundesliga, where he was Borussia Dortmund’s top league scorer with 13 goals in 2023–24 and played in the Champions League final, he has quickly adapted to England, hitting four league goals this season and ranking among Villa’s leading scorers.[1][2] His pace, direct dribbling and ability to change games off the bench have produced a string of decisive strikes, sparking constant highlight reels and debate about whether he should now be an automatic starter and a central figure for the Netherlands ahead of future major tournaments.[1][2][4]

Federico Dimarco

Voetballer

Federico Dimarco is trending because the Inter Milan wing-back scored a crucial goal in a high-stakes 2-2 Serie A draw against Napoli at San Siro, then openly described the result as “an important point” in the Scudetto race, stressing how avoiding defeat kept a direct rival from closing the gap at the top.[1][6] His eye-catching performance, including a difficult finish past a towering goalkeeper, and his post-match focus on Inter’s mentality and upcoming fixtures have put him at the center of title-race discussion and amplified existing buzz around his importance to Simone Inzaghi’s side.[1][6]

Lorenzo Musetti

Tennisser

Lorenzo Musetti is trending because his run at the Hong Kong Tennis Open has pushed him into the ATP Top 5 for the first time, even as he continues a puzzling streak of losses in finals. After a dazzling semi-final win over former champion Andrey Rublev, which featured a viral 24-shot rally that lit up social media, the 23-year-old Italian secured a career-high live ranking of world No. 5, becoming only the third Italian man ever to break into that elite bracket.[4][6] He then fell in the final to Alexander Bublik, extending his sequence of consecutive final defeats and sparking debate about whether his surge up the rankings can outweigh his struggles at the last hurdle.[1][4][5]

Juan Jesus

Voetballer

Juan Jesus is trending because the veteran Brazilian defender has become a key figure in Napoli’s recent resurgence, stringing together a run of assured starts that helped the Italian champions record multiple consecutive clean sheets in Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana, including a semifinal win over AC Milan and a final victory over Bologna.[2] In detailed match reports, analysts highlight how he has replaced Alessandro Buongiorno in the starting XI and piled up double-digit tackles, clearances, and interceptions, numbers that stand out in a team packed with attacking stars.[2] Fans are sharing clips of his calm passing from the back—over a hundred completed passes in a single match—and debating whether his experience and positioning have quietly stabilized Napoli’s defense at a crucial point in their season, turning him from a depth option into an unexpected centerpiece.[2][1]

Kenneth Taylor (voetballer)

Voetballer

Kenneth Taylor is trending because the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder has completed a high-profile transfer from Ajax to Italian club Lazio, choosing the Rome side on a long-term deal after interest from Porto and Galatasaray.[2][3] A product of Ajax’s famed academy, Taylor made 184 senior appearances, winning two Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup before deciding it was time for the “next step” in his career.[2] Lazio moved for him immediately after selling key midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, signaling that Taylor is expected to shoulder a major role in their Serie A and European campaigns.[1][3] The sizeable fee, his status as one of Ajax’s homegrown success stories, and the intrigue over how his box-to-box style will translate to Italian football have combined to push his name to the top of football conversations and social media trends.[1][2][3]

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Politicus

Keiko Awaji

Acteur

Naohito Fujiki

Acteur

Oichi

Politicus

Kenichi Matsuyama

Acteur

Kimiko Date

Tennisser

Tarako

Acteur

Jurina Matsui

Acteur

Kaede Hondo

Acteur

Ok Taec-yeon

Acteur

Julie Andrews

Acteur

David Moberg Karlsson

Voetballer

Stanislas Wawrinka

Tennisser

Stan Wawrinka is trending because the 40-year-old Swiss star has just been given a main-draw wild card for the 2026 Australian Open, returning to the scene of his first Grand Slam triumph in what he has confirmed will be his final season on the ATP Tour.[1][2][7] Fans are reliving his epic 2014 run in Melbourne, when he beat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal on his way to the title, even as he arrives this time ranked outside the top 150 but still fighting through long matches at events like the United Cup.[1][2][3] The wild card also means Wawrinka will make history with his 20th singles appearance at the Australian Open, turning his farewell year into a nostalgic victory lap that has tennis followers celebrating a late-career warrior who refuses to treat his last dance as a slow goodbye.[1][7]

Kamil Stoch

Skiër

Polish ski jumping legend Kamil Stoch is trending because he has just given an emotional farewell to fans and confirmed his retirement after the 2025–26 season, planning to end his career at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.[2][4][6] After more than two decades in the sport, 39 World Cup wins and three Olympic gold medals that made him one of the greatest jumpers in history, his announcement has turned every appearance into a farewell tour.[1][2][5] Clips of his past triumphs, from sweeping the Four Hills Tournament to defending his Olympic large hill title, now circulate alongside footage of tearful supporters and tributes from younger athletes.[1][2][4] As fans share memories and highlights, Stoch’s long journey from Zakopane prodigy to global icon has become the center of sports conversations worldwide.[1][4][6]

Katarzyna Kawa

Tennisser

Katarzyna Kawa is trending because she just delivered one of the biggest moments in Polish tennis history, teaming up with Jan Zieliński to win the deciding mixed doubles rubber in the United Cup final and secure Poland’s first-ever title at the event.[3][7][8] After Poland had twice finished runner-up in previous editions, Kawa and Zieliński broke through in style, defeating Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6–4, 6–3 to clinch a 2–1 victory.[7][6] Commentators praised Kawa for playing at an “absurd” level throughout the week, repeatedly stepping out of the shadow of stars like Iga Świątek and Hubert Hurkacz and emerging as a surprise hero of the team.[2][7] Highlight reels of her fearless shot-making in the final and earlier rounds are now circulating widely, fueling the surge of interest in her name.[4][5][8]

Belinda Bencic

Tennisser

Belinda Bencic is trending after a stunning comeback season reached a new peak at the 2026 United Cup, where she powered Switzerland to its first-ever title and was named the tournament’s MVP. Returning to the tour after maternity leave, the 28-year-old Olympic gold medalist dominated in Sydney, winning nine of ten matches and going undefeated in all of Switzerland’s crucial ties. Battling searing heat and tight three-setters, she repeatedly delivered in must-win singles and mixed doubles rubbers, including a dramatic victory over Elise Mertens that showcased her resilience and shot-making under pressure. Her run not only extended an unbeaten start to the year but also confirmed her status as the top Swiss player again, completing a rise from outside the top 400 in late 2024 back into the sport’s elite.

Andy Warhol

Kunstenaar

On social feeds around the world, Andy Warhol’s electric Marilyns and soup cans are suddenly everywhere again because a new wave of exhibitions, documentaries, and record-breaking auctions is reminding people how radically he changed art and celebrity culture. His work turned everyday products and famous faces into bold, repeatable images that predicted our age of viral fame and branded identities, so younger audiences see their own selfie-driven, influencer world reflected in his silkscreens.[3][4] As museums revisit his legacy and collectors push his prices higher, clips of his art, his Factory parties, and his eerily accurate “15 minutes of fame” quote circulate on TikTok-style platforms, sparking debates about consumerism, LGBTQ+ visibility, and who gets to be iconic today.[1][3][5]

Olga Jackowska

Zanger

Olga Jackowska, better known by her stage name Kora, is trending because fans are commemorating the influential Polish rock singer on the anniversary of her death and rediscovering her legacy as the charismatic frontwoman of the band Maanam, who died of cancer at 67 in 2018.[1][3] Born in Kraków in 1951, she became one of Poland’s most distinctive voices, blending new wave, rock, and poetic lyrics that captured the spirit of post-communist transformation.[1][3][4] Renewed interest in her film work, including roles in “80 Millions” and “The Man with the Magic Box,” has also led younger audiences to search her name and share clips of her performances online.[4] As playlists, documentaries, and retrospectives circulate, social media users are celebrating Kora as a cultural icon whose songs remain an essential soundtrack of modern Polish history.[1][3][4]

Robert Lewandowski

Voetballer

Robert Lewandowski is trending because he scored a crucial goal and delivered a standout performance in Barcelona’s 3–2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, reminding fans he remains an elite striker.[1][3][4][5] Handed a starting spot in the high-stakes Clásico, he struck just before halftime to put Barça ahead, a “stunning” finish that headlines are calling proof he has “still got it.”[1][4][5] After the match, Lewandowski’s delighted reaction and pointed comments about being “surprised” by Real Madrid’s defensive, low-block approach added extra buzz, as supporters dissected both his words and his winner’s mentality.[3]

Hubert Hurkacz

Tennisser

Hubert Hurkacz is trending after delivering a triumphant comeback story at the United Cup in Sydney on Sunday night[1]. The Polish tennis star, playing his first tournament in seven months following knee surgery, defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to keep Poland alive in the final against Switzerland[1]. This victory was particularly emotional for Hurkacz, who had suffered heartbreaking losses in the previous two United Cup finals, including holding championship points in 2024 before falling to Alexander Zverev[1]. His performance showcased remarkable resilience, as he unleashed 18 aces and saved eight of nine break points against the 40-year-old Wawrinka[1]. The win set up a decisive mixed doubles match to determine the champion, with Hurkacz's singles victory earning Poland their first United Cup title after two years of near misses[1]. His inspiring return from injury and clutch performance in such a high-stakes moment has captured tennis fans' attention worldwide.

Ben Carson

Politicus

Ben Carson is trending because, as the USDA’s National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing, he has become the public face of the Trump administration’s sweeping reset of U.S. nutrition policy, including new federal dietary guidelines and a revamped food pyramid that emphasize whole foods and less sugar.[1][2][4][5] After being sworn in to advise the president on nutrition, rural health, and housing, the former HUD secretary and renowned neurosurgeon co-wrote a high-profile Newsweek op-ed with Dr. Mehmet Oz praising the administration’s push to “Make America Healthy Again” by updating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030.[1][2] Their call to “reclaim the food pyramid” and link farmers’ work directly to solving the nation’s chronic disease crisis has fueled intense debate across news shows and social media, propelling Carson back into the national spotlight.[1][4][5]

Katarzyna Piter

Tennisser

Polish tennis player Katarzyna Piter is trending after being named to Poland’s United Cup 2026 team in Sydney as a reserve alongside stars Iga Świątek and Hubert Hurkacz, earning a significant share of the team’s record prize money despite not stepping on court.[4][5][6] Fans are also watching her schedule closely because, although best known as a doubles specialist with multiple WTA titles, she is set to open her new season in doubles at the Hobart WTA 250 and then appear in the Australian Open 2026 women’s doubles draw, a notable late-career push from the former top-100 singles player.[1][8][9]

Jann Mardenborough

Racecoureur

Jann Mardenborough is trending because, after years away from a full factory drive, the former Gran Turismo gamer-turned-racer has been signed by Haupt Racing Team to race a Ford Mustang GT3 in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, marking a major comeback to top-level GT racing.[1][4][7] Fans who followed his journey from winning the GT Academy contest to real-world podiums in Super GT and European GT3 see this as the next chapter in a remarkable career that had stalled after his Nissan ties ended.[1][4] The buzz is fuelled by speculation that a strong season with Ford could reopen the door to dream events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, turning social feeds into a real-time watch party for his return.[1][4][5]

Wagner Moura

Acteur

Wagner Moura is trending after making Golden Globes history as the first Brazilian man ever nominated for best actor in a drama film[1][2]. The 49-year-old actor earned this landmark recognition for his powerful performance in The Secret Agent, a Portuguese-language political thriller about a civil servant caught in a web of conspiracy during Brazil's dictatorship[2]. His acclaimed role has already generated significant awards buzz, including a best actor win at the Cannes Film Festival in May[3]. While Moura gained international prominence playing Pablo Escobar in Netflix's Narcos, this nomination represents a groundbreaking moment for Brazilian representation in major Golden Globes acting categories, where performers from the country have historically been overlooked[2]. The film, currently in theaters, showcases what critics describe as Moura's signature blend of restraint and volatility, with NPR praising his "shape-shifting performance" as a "triumph of watchful subtlety"[1]. As awards season continues, fans and industry observers are now watching to see if Moura will receive an Oscar nomination[3].

Gerson Santos da Silva

Voetballer

Gerson has become a trending topic in football after completing a historic transfer to Cruzeiro, marking the most expensive deal ever conducted by a South American club[1]. The 28-year-old midfielder, who recently spent six months at Zenit Saint Petersburg, signed a four-year contract with the Brazilian club for approximately 30 million euros, with 27 million fixed and 3 million in add-ons[1]. The negotiations were intense, with Zenit initially demanding 40 million euros before eventually accepting Cruzeiro's offer, which included defender Jonathan Jesus in the initial proposal[1]. Gerson's arrival has electrified Brazilian football fans, as his extensive international experience—including stints at Roma, Fiorentina, Olympique Marseille, and notably 253 appearances for Flamengo—brings world-class quality to the club[1]. This landmark transfer signals Cruzeiro's ambitions to compete for major domestic and continental trophies in 2026, making Gerson's signing a watershed moment for South American football.

Gabriel Barbosa

Voetballer

Gabriel Barbosa, the Brazilian striker known as "Gabigol," has captured headlines after officially returning to Santos FC on loan from Cruzeiro until the end of 2026.[1] The 29-year-old's homecoming marks a symbolic moment for the club where his career began, but what's truly electrifying fans is his reunion with Neymar in Santos' attack.[2] The two former teammates, who previously played together during Brazil's gold medal run at the 2016 Olympics, are now positioned to lead Santos' charge for titles while Neymar attempts to prove his fitness to coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2026 World Cup.[2] Barbosa himself expressed his commitment to supporting his idol, stating he wants to help Neymar reach 100 percent fitness for the tournament.[2] This partnership has ignited excitement across Brazilian football, as fans anticipate what two of the nation's most talented attackers can accomplish together on their return to the club's storied Vila Belmiro stadium.

Paula Fernandes

Zanger

Brazilian singer Paula Fernandes is trending after announcing a major new tour with dates stretching through 2026, sparking a rush for tickets across multiple countries and lighting up fan communities online.[1][3] Known for blending sertanejo roots with pop sensibility, she has been teasing fresh material in recent performances, fueling speculation about an upcoming project and drawing new listeners to her catalog.[1][3] A recent celebratory video clip marking the start of her 2026 concert era has gone viral, amplifying her presence on social platforms as fans share setlist predictions and memories from past shows.[4] Together, the tour buzz, the promise of new music, and her renewed visibility in Latin music conversations have pushed Paula Fernandes back into the spotlight and onto trending lists worldwide.[1][3][4]

Sydney Sweeney

Acteur

Sydney Sweeney is trending because her dark R-rated thriller “The Housemaid” has become a surprise holiday box-office hit, earning over $133 million worldwide in just 17 days and quickly securing a greenlit sequel, “The Housemaid’s Secret,” with Sweeney set to return as star and executive producer.[4] At the same time, she is drawing massive online attention for a bold, nude W Magazine cover tied to its 2026 Best Performances issue, where she’s celebrated for her breakout work in “The Housemaid” and the boxing drama “Christy.”[1][3] Social media is amplifying images from the shoot and clips from the film, and fans are hailing her as a new kind of Old Hollywood icon, turning her rapid career upswing into one of the most talked-about celebrity stories of the moment.[1][3][4]

Cristiano Ronaldo

Voetballer

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is trending as Portugal prepares for the 2026 World Cup with a surprising strategic shift[1]. Manager Roberto Martinez has announced that despite Ronaldo's status as captain, the legendary forward will not play every minute of every match, facing increased competition from other strikers including Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos[1]. Martinez plans to rotate three forwards throughout the tournament to manage the anticipated heat and physical demands of the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico[1]. This marks a significant moment in Ronaldo's career, as he must accept a reduced role after decades of dominance[1]. Meanwhile, Portugal has secured luxury accommodations at the five-star Fairmont Mayakoba resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya, strategically positioned near Houston and Miami to minimize travel fatigue[5]. As Ronaldo approaches what could be his final World Cup appearance, the combination of tactical rotation plans and meticulous preparation has captured global attention, symbolizing both the end of an era and Portugal's ambitious World Cup ambitions.

Faina Ranevskaja

Politicus

Faina Ranevskaya is trending because a new wave of online tributes is celebrating the Soviet star’s sharp wit and unforgettable screen presence, sparked by viral clips from her iconic role as the wicked stepmother in the 1947 film Cinderella and renewed interest around recent stage productions inspired by her life.[1][4][5] Viewers are rediscovering how this Jewish girl from Taganrog, born Faina Feldman in 1896, fought her way from tiny Moscow rooms to become a People’s Artist of the USSR and winner of the Stalin Prize for both theatre and film.[1][2][5] As her aphorisms are recycled as punchlines on social media and profiles revisit friendships with poets like Anna Akhmatova and Marina Tsvetaeva, audiences are treating Ranevskaya not just as a legendary actress, but as a modern meme-ready icon of sardonic resilience.[2][4][5]

Ramzan Kadyrov

Politicus

Ramzan Kadyrov is trending after he unexpectedly promoted his 20-year-old son Akhmat Kadyrov to acting deputy prime minister of Chechnya, stacking yet another powerful role onto the youth’s existing posts as sports and youth minister.[2][3] The move intensifies speculation that the longtime Chechen strongman, who has ruled the region with sweeping autonomy since 2007, is preparing a dynastic succession amid persistent reports of serious health problems and recent hospitalizations he publicly denies.[2][5][7] Critics and exiled media portray the appointment as the latest sign that Chechnya’s political system, long centered on Kadyrov’s personal authority and family network, is being reengineered to keep power within his clan, drawing global attention and fierce debate online.[2][3][5]

Serjoga

Zanger

Seryoga is trending because fans are rediscovering how a tough kid from Gomel, Belarus, turned his rough neighborhood into the heartbeat of post-Soviet hip hop, blending rapid-fire Russian folk “chastushki” with modern beats and gritty stories of poverty, hustle, and survival.[1][2] His breakout hit about a “Black Boomer” luxury car made him the unlikely voice of street ambition across Russia and Ukraine, and his Slavic spin on gangsta rap earned him the nickname “the Slavic Eminem” on MTV.[2][4] As clips of his old videos and collaborations with German rappers resurface on social media, a new generation is sharing his tracks, debating his influence, and realizing that this Belarusian boxer-turned-rapper helped define an era long before viral fame existed.[2][3]

Alexander Gordon (journalist)

Presentator

Alexander Gordon is trending because the longtime Kansas City Royals outfielder has just appeared on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, sparking debate over whether his brilliant defense and leadership are enough for Cooperstown.[2][7] Fans are revisiting his 14-season career, from his transformation into an elite left fielder to the Gold Glove plays and clutch hits that helped deliver the Royals’ 2015 World Series title.[1][2] As articles and interviews highlight his eight Gold Gloves, multiple Platinum Gloves, All-Star nods, and deep ties to Kansas City, supporters argue that his impact goes far beyond his batting line.[1][2][4] Whether he ultimately makes it to Cooperstown or not, the ballot announcement has turned Gordon into the latest flashpoint in the never-ending conversation about what a Hall of Famer should be.[1][2][7]

Jeffrey Epstein

Ondernemer

Jeffrey Epstein is trending because a new wave of political and legal battles has erupted over long-hidden government records from his sex-trafficking case, thrusting his name back into the spotlight.[1] After the Justice Department missed a legal deadline to release the so‑called “Epstein files,” lawmakers from both parties accused officials of a cover-up and threatened aggressive steps to force disclosure.[1][2] The House Oversight Committee has released tens of thousands of pages from Epstein’s estate and issued fresh subpoenas to key associates, including billionaire Les Wexner, signaling that more names and details could soon emerge.[3][5] At the same time, a fiery congressional hearing, where FBI chief Kash Patel faced questions about Epstein’s “black book” and alleged co-conspirators, fueled new headlines and online speculation.[4] Together, these developments have revived public anger, conspiracy theories, and demands for transparency, driving Epstein back to the top of trending lists.[1][3]

Vasily Livanov

Acteur

Vasily Livanov is trending because fans worldwide are celebrating the beloved Russian actor’s recent 90th birthday, which has sparked renewed interest in his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Soviet TV films “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.”[2][4][7] Tributes are circulating online to his long career as an actor, screenwriter, director, and writer, highlighting how his sharp, eccentric Holmes—widely praised by Sherlockians and even honored with awards abroad—helped define the character for generations of Russian viewers.[1][6][7] Russian media coverage of official congratulations for this milestone, including praise from national leaders for his “remarkable and unique” contribution to cinema, has pushed his name back into the spotlight and driven a wave of nostalgia viewings and social media discussion.[2][4]

Alina Kabajeva

Gymnast

Alina Kabaeva is trending because she has just made a rare joint public appearance with Russian President Vladimir Putin, fuelling global fascination with the woman long rumored to be his secret partner. Once a superstar rhythmic gymnast and Olympic champion, Kabaeva largely vanished from public view for years, only to re-emerge as head of a powerful media group and the face of a new “Sky Grace” gymnastics academy, which Russian state media heavily promote.[1][3] Now, fresh video of her standing beside Putin at an official event has revived intense interest in their alleged relationship, her sanctioned status in the West, and her growing influence within Russia’s elite.[1][3][4][6]

Vladimir Poetin

Politicus

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 a deliberate attempt to intimidate Kyiv’s Western allies and signal his anger over recent foreign policy setbacks and emerging peace plans for Ukraine.[1][5] The Kremlin claims the strike was retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a Putin residence in December, which Kyiv denies, while Western leaders call Moscow’s justification fabricated, framing the missile launch as a high-stakes message to Europe about Russia’s willingness to escalate nearly four years into the full-scale invasion.[1]

Xi Jinping

Politicus

Xi Jinping is trending because, in the space of just days, he has launched a high-profile diplomatic and political push that is drawing global attention. His widely watched 2026 New Year message outlined China’s latest ambitions in technology, climate policy, and military modernization, and introduced a new Global Governance Initiative to reshape international rules[1]. Soon after, he held closely followed talks in Beijing with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, where the two leaders signed 15 cooperation agreements covering science, the environment, transport, and trade[2]. Xi then sent a congratulatory letter to mark the launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, highlighting efforts to deepen ties with African nations[3]. This rapid series of moves has pushed his name to the center of news feeds as analysts debate how they signal China’s diplomatic strategy for the year ahead.

Louis Koo

Acteur

Louis Koo is trending as fans worldwide rush to relive his time‑travel heroics in the new blockbuster Back to the Past, a big‑budget sequel to the 2001 Hong Kong series A Step into the Past that sends his character Hong Siu-lung back to the Qin dynasty to battle a vengeful time‑travelling enemy threatening the empire and the future.[1][3][4] The film has smashed Hong Kong box office records for a Chinese opening day, earning HK$10.91 million and ranking just behind Avengers: Endgame.[5] Its success has led to a North American theatrical release set for January 30, 2026, expanding Louis Koo’s global spotlight.[1][3][6]

Jennie Kim

Zanger

At the 40th Golden Disc Awards held on January 10 at Taipei Dome, BLACKPINK's Jennie dominated the night in an unprecedented way, becoming what fans dubbed "the Jennie show."[2] The solo artist walked to the podium three times, collecting trophies across multiple categories including a solo award for her album Ruby, a Digital Song Bonsang for BLACKPINK's hit "Run," and the Global Impact Award.[2] Each time she returned to accept an award, she delivered heartfelt speeches thanking collaborators and expressing love for her members and fans, creating viral moments that flooded social media.[2] However, her triumph was tempered by significant backlash over her three-song performance from Ruby, where critics on social platforms heavily criticized her vocals and stage presence, calling it her "worst ever performance."[5] Despite the controversy, Jennie's cultural impact remained undeniable as BLACKPINK earned a place on the Golden Disc Powerhouse 40 list, honoring the group's major influence on Korean pop music history.[2] The combination of her award sweep, emotional acceptance speeches, and polarizing performance created the perfect storm for trending status across global platforms.

Qin Shi Huangdi

Politicus

Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, is trending because archaeologists have just confirmed the discovery of a 2,200-year-old “superhighway” he ordered across the north of his empire, a 900-kilometer Qin Straight Road built between 212 and 207 BC to rush troops against nomadic enemies.[3][8] Buried for millennia beneath rammed earth and forgotten in sparse records, a 13-kilometer stretch in Shaanxi has been newly unearthed, revealing an engineered corridor up to 60 meters wide that once sliced through leveled mountains and filled valleys with ruthless geometric precision.[3][8] The find has revived fascination with the emperor who unified warring states, standardized laws and scripts, and left behind the Terracotta Army and a still-sealed tomb, reminding people that his vision of order was literally carved into the landscape in lines straight enough to be seen from the sky.[2][3][7]

Wang Hongwen

Politicus

Wang Hongwen, a once-obscure Cultural Revolution politician and youngest member of Mao Zedong’s infamous Gang of Four, is trending because Chinese netizens have unexpectedly turned him into an ironic online idol, remixing his image and history into memes and fan-style content.[1][3][5] Born a Shanghai factory worker who rapidly rose to become the Communist Party’s third-highest leader in the 1970s, Wang was later arrested and convicted alongside Jiang Qing and others for “counter-revolutionary crimes” after Mao’s death, symbolizing the excesses of the era.[2][3][5] Today’s renewed attention is not rehabilitation by the state but a grassroots, tongue-in-cheek fascination with this fallen power-broker, whose dramatic rise and fall encapsulate the volatility and political theater of the Cultural Revolution in a way that resonates with younger Chinese exploring their country’s contested past online.[1][3]

Chiang Kai-shek

Militair

Chiang Kai-shek is trending this week as Taiwan celebrates the Jiaobanshan Plum Blossom Festival, which opened on January 17 at his former vacation retreat in Taoyuan's Fuxing District[6]. The historic site, home to 296 plum trees, draws renewed attention during the festival season, which runs through January 25 and features international tea gatherings, local markets, and live cultural performances[6]. The timing coincides with heightened cross-strait tensions, as China's People's Liberation Army recently completed "Justice Mission 2025," large-scale military exercises demonstrating amphibious landing capabilities around Taiwan[1][2]. Against this backdrop of military posturing and Xi Jinping's declaration that Taiwan reunification is "unstoppable," the festival at Chiang's former residence—a symbol of Taiwan's separate political history since the 1949 split—has become a focal point for discussions about Taiwan's identity and sovereignty[2]. The convergence of cultural commemoration and geopolitical tension has made the late president's legacy unexpectedly relevant in contemporary discourse.

Raymond Lam

Acteur

Raymond Lam is trending because his long-running “Go With The Flow” world tour is surging into new markets just as his blockbuster film career peaks, creating a wave of renewed global attention.[2][6] After the historical sci‑fi epic Back to the Past, co-starring Louis Koo, shattered Hong Kong opening-day box office records for a Chinese film, Lam’s 25-year career suddenly looks fresher than ever.[6] Riding that momentum, he sold out multiple Hong Kong Coliseum shows and is now taking his tour overseas, with headline concerts announced in Japan’s Tokyo Garden Theater and major Australian venues like Sydney Event Centre and Melbourne’s Palais Theatre.[1][2][8] Clips from his time-travel roles are going viral alongside concert teasers, and fans across Asia and beyond are rediscovering both his music and acting at once, pushing his name to the top of trending charts.[2][4][6]

Xiang Yu

Politicus

Xiang Yu is trending because a surge of renewed interest in Chinese history and media has brought attention to this warlord-hero who helped topple the Qin dynasty but lost China to Liu Bang, founder of the Han.[1][2] As people discover new films, dramas, and online discussions about his life, they are captivated by how he rose from Chu general to “Hegemon-King of Western Chu,” carving the fallen Qin Empire into feudal kingdoms under his dominance.[1][3] His dramatic rivalry with Liu Bang, his repeated victories yet ultimate political failure, and his celebrated last stand and suicide at Gaixia have made him a symbol of tragic heroism.[2][3] Modern commentators are revisiting how his courage, arrogance, and fatal decisions shaped the birth of the Han dynasty, pushing his name back into trending feeds worldwide.[2][6]

Lin Yun-ju

Atleet

Lin Yun-ju is trending because the 24-year-old Taiwanese table tennis star just snapped a 26-month title drought by winning the men’s singles crown at the WTT Champions Doha 2026 tournament, sweeping South Korea’s Jang Woo-jin 11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 13-11 in the final.[1][2] His victory marks his first WTT Champions men’s singles title since Frankfurt 2023, a long-awaited return to the top after more than two years without a singles trophy.[1][2][3] Fans are sharing highlights of his calm left-handed shot-making and clutch comebacks in the second and third games, where he rallied from early deficits to seize control of the match.[1][3] Lin himself called the win an affirmation of his efforts and expressed hope it would be a new starting point, which has only fueled the online buzz around his resurgence.[1][2]