Salma Hayek reveals why landing ‘Sports Illustrated’ cover is ‘shocking’

Salma Hayek earned herself a spot as the latest bikini clad celebrity to go on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue this year.

However, the celebrated Mexican actress revealed that she could hardly believe being chosen as the cover star.

“I never thought that was a possibility — and for it to happen when I’m 58! It’s really shocking,” she revealed during an appearance on The Today Show.

Elsewhere, she shared how the iconic sports magazine’s annual Swimsuit Issue inspired her.

“I used to look at this magazine and wanted to see who was the new, gorgeous model, the new girl of the moment,” she said.

Notably, the Swimsuit Issue has long been the beacon of the latest in the supermodel market, as many of the professionals got their start or gained further popularity on Sports Illustrated’s pages.

She also posted the cover on her Instagram.

Donning an alluring green two-piece swimsuit, paired with multiple necklaces and a body chain, the Oscar nominated actress defied her age as she posed on the cover while kneeling in a shallow pool.

Salma Hayek joined up to 38 women featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue inside the cover, including Olympic champion Suni Lee, gymnast Jordan Chiles, and influencer Livvy Dunne.