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‘Grown Ups’ Star Salma Hayek’s (60) ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ Photos Resurface, and Fans Still Can’t Get Over Them

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When Salma Hayek appeared in the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ issue in 2025, it was one of the most talked-about magazine moments of the year. The Oscar-nominated actress made her cover debut at 58, joining Olympian Jordan Chiles, gymnast Olivia Dunne, and model Lauren Chan as one of the issue’s 4 cover stars.

Shot by renowned photographer Ruven Afanador at the Cuixmala luxury resort in Mexico, the spread became a celebration of confidence and self-acceptance. The main cover featured Hayek kneeling in a shallow pool in a glittering dark green swimsuit, paired with a gold body chain and turquoise necklace.

More than a year later, the shoot is having another moment online. On October 7, a fan account reshared images from the spread on X, praising Hayek for aging like fine wine. The resurfaced images show Hayek against a warm, sun-baked terracotta wall.

In one, she wears a white crochet-style bikini top with a matching knit sarong, her head tilted back with her eyes closed. In another, she poses in a sleek white bikini with tie-side details, layered with delicate gold body chains and necklaces. Her long dark waves flow freely around her shoulders, adding to the relaxed, natural feel of the shoot.

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The warm color palette and effortless styling have helped the images stand the test of time. Fans continue to call them some of the best photos in the issue’s recent history. Behind the polished images was a surprisingly nervous star. During an appearance on ‘Today’, Hayek revealed that she nearly backed out of the shoot entirely.

To help ease her nerves, the magazine sent her around 200 swimsuits to try. Then disaster nearly struck when her luggage with the swimsuits went missing before the shoot, though the team had a small selection of extras on set.

In her cover interview with the magazine, Hayek recalled eagerly checking the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ issue every year when she was younger to see who had been featured. She admitted she never imagined being included herself, since she didn’t consider herself the model type.

She also reflected on what the cover represented. Hayek said she found it remarkable that the magazine was embracing the idea that women past 50 can feel free and comfortable in their bodies, rather than feeling they need to hide.

The magazine’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day, heaped praise on the actress. Day described Hayek as a force of nature and celebrated her work as an actor, producer, philanthropist, and champion for women.

Day also called Hayek a beacon for Latinx communities. The tribute highlighted that the cover was about more than imagery, honoring her influence both on and off screen. Part of why the photos continue to resonate is the message behind them.

Hayek has long shared confident swimsuit snaps with her millions of Instagram followers, often celebrating her body at every age. Her cover became a symbol of shifting attitudes in the fashion and media world. For many fans, seeing her front such an iconic issue was proof that beauty and confidence don’t come with an expiration date.

The renewed attention brought a fresh wave of compliments. Many fans called her timeless, while others said the shoot remains just as inspiring as when it was first released. For Hayek, the resurfaced images are a reminder of a career milestone she nearly let slip away. Fans, it seems, are very glad she didn’t.

What do you think of Salma Hayek’s ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ photos?

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