Salma Hayek is blazing a bold new trail—and she’s doing it in a bikini.

On Tuesday, the 58-year-old Hollywood icon was unveiled as one of the four cover stars for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2025, proving once again that age is no barrier to confidence, beauty, or cultural impact.

Posing in a shimmering green bikini and dripping with elegance, Hayek emerged from a pool in Mexico for the striking cover shot captured by photographer Ruven Afanador.

Wearing Jacquie Aiche jewelry and flashing her signature fierce expression, the actress made an unforgettable debut.

“I remember when I was young, a long, long time ago, I was always excited to see the Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated, and [thinking] ‘Who’s going to be in it?’” Hayek reflected in the magazine.

“Of course, I didn’t look like a model, so it never crossed my mind that one day I would be in it.”

Her words speak to the evolving beauty standards in media.

Once considered an exclusive domain of the ultra-young and ultra-thin, the iconic swimsuit issue now embraces a broader definition of allure—one that includes confidence, experience, and individuality.

“If somebody had told me I was gonna be in it at 58, I would have sent them to the madhouse,” Hayek said. “But the world has changed, and that’s exciting.”

Indeed, Hayek’s cover moment represents more than just a glamorous photoshoot.

It’s a statement about perseverance, empowerment, and reclaiming space in an industry often preoccupied with youth.

“I could retire, but I don’t want to miss out on this time,” she explained.

“I fought for it, you know, and I’ve been part of it, and I think it’s really remarkable that a magazine like Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] says that it’s O.K., maybe even cool, to be past 50 and still be able to feel not just sexy, but for me, to be free and not be self-conscious of your body like you have to hide.”

Joining Hayek on this year’s covers are gymnast Jordan Chiles, LSU alum and influencer Livvy Dunne, and model and body positivity advocate Lauren Chan.

The issue also includes appearances by athletes like Ilona Maher and WNBA star Cameron Brink, reinforcing a message that strength, talent, and personal journey are just as celebrated as visual appeal.

“Every single woman included this year brings with her a unique and powerful reason for being featured in the issue,” said Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day in a statement.

Day had high praise for Hayek, calling her “a force of nature” and lauding her work as an actor, producer, philanthropist, and women’s advocate.

“Salma Hayek Pinault is a beacon for Latinx communities, a tireless advocate and a person whose passion for art, life and humanity has few rivals,” Day wrote.

“Her why is rooted in her ability to inspire generations to come, by showing us all that living on your own terms is the ultimate power,” Day continued.

“She has a creative fire that lights up everything she touches. Her passion for life, for storytelling, for humanity is rare. It’s real.”

Though this marks Hayek’s Sports Illustrated debut, she’s no stranger to the spotlight—or to embracing swimwear.

The Frida star often shares radiant beachside snapshots with her millions of Instagram followers.

For her 58th birthday in September 2024, she posted a montage of bikini photos with a cheeky caption: “None of these are throwbacks.”

Behind her timeless beauty lies a commitment to self-care that balances the spiritual with the practical.

Hayek credits meditation—rather than intense workouts—as her secret weapon for both mental clarity and physical health.

“You have to find your way. For me, exercising is hard,” she admitted. “It’s really, really difficult to have the discipline to do it. But meditation is a walk in the park, because it’s my own form of it.”

Her practice is more than calming—it’s essential.

“When I don’t [meditate] for some time, guess what? Not only [does] the face start to drop and everything starts to drop, [but also] my herniated disc, the problem in my neck, the problem in my hip, my ankles [comes back]. I start breaking down,” she shared.

She even jokes that meditation can take years off her appearance.

“Sometimes when I’m doing it, people tell me when I come out of the room, ‘Oh my God, you look 20 years old,’” Hayek said.

In a world where youth often dominates beauty narratives, Salma Hayek’s Sports Illustrated cover isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a powerful cultural moment. With grace, humor, and defiance, she’s showing that the real glow-up comes with time, authenticity, and the freedom to own your story.

And at 58, Salma isn’t just smoldering—she’s blazing a path forward.

Isn’t she gorgeous?!!!