Salma Hayek Pinault, the celebrated actress, has earned the prestigious honor of being the cover model for the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. At 58 years old, Salma reflected on this incredible achievement during a recent appearance on the Today show, revealing that her daughter, 17-year-old Valentina Pinault, was unaware of the significance of this milestone.
Salma shared her surprise and delight at being featured on a magazine she admired since her youth. “I still can’t believe it,” she expressed, recalling how she used to flip through the pages to see the latest stunning models. “It never crossed my mind that I could be the swimsuit model, because they didn’t look like me,” she explained, noting that she never felt she fit the traditional mold of a model.
Her daughter Valentina, a beauty product expert in her own right, seems to represent a different generation’s perspective, as she is not particularly invested in the historical importance of her mother’s recent accolade. Salma previously revealed that Valentina is knowledgeable about beauty products beyond her own comprehension and finds it hard to keep up with her daughter’s expertise.
As Salma prepares for her daughter’s inevitable transition into adulthood, she expressed heartfelt emotions regarding Valentina’s growing independence, sharing a poignant tribute on social media about her daughter’s last birthday at home. Salma described Valentina as a source of inspiration who brings joy and motivation to her life.
In this new chapter, Salma’s groundbreaking cover signifies a blend of beauty, talent, and redefining age norms in the world of fashion and media. It also serves as a beacon of encouragement for women everywhere, suggesting that accomplishments and recognition can come at any stage in life.