Global Figures Who Shaped 2025: Trump, Pope Leo XIV, Sinner, and AI

The year 2025 was marked by pivotal moments and significant shifts across politics, finance, technology, and sports, with certain figures embodying the spirit of the times. From Donald Trump's influential presidency to Jannik Sinner's historic Wimbledon victory, these individuals left an indelible mark on the global stage.

Donald Trump's Resurgence

Donald Trump's return to the White House in 2025 reshaped U.S. policy with stricter immigration measures, revised trade policies, and a transactional approach to international alliances. His actions reverberated across markets and governments, solidifying his position as a central figure in global politics.

Shifting Alliances

Trump has seemingly sidelined traditional European allies, diminishing their role in geopolitical balance. While involved in peace initiatives between Gaza and Kiev, he has also adopted an aggressive stance towards Venezuela, purportedly to combat drug trafficking, with a keen eye on the nation's oil reserves.

Pope Leo XIV's Unexpected Influence

Following the death of Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo XIV was one of the most unexpected events of 2025. Despite a less flamboyant style compared to his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV has taken decisive actions on Vatican governance, the role of laypeople, and interfaith dialogue.

Symbolic Gestures

Pope Leo XIV's initial symbolic gestures resonated in a world grappling with conflict and inequality. Without doctrinal disruptions, he initiated profound reorganization, bringing the Church back to the forefront of global discussions.

Jannik Sinner's Dominance in Tennis

Jannik Sinner definitively established himself as a dominant force in global tennis in 2025. His victories in prestigious tournaments, consistent high-level performance, and exceptional technical and mental maturity made him an international sports icon.

A Symbol of Modern Italy

Sinner's ability to represent a winning, modern, and credible Italy has made him a generational symbol. He concluded the season ranked No. 2 in the ATP, winning two Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon, a feat no Italian had achieved before, and the ATP Finals in Turin against Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian tennis movement also saw success with Lorenzo Musetti entering the top ten and the Davis Cup team winning for the third consecutive time.

Before we dive into the next section, let's examine Jannik Sinner's Grand Slam victories:

He also won the ATP Finals in Turin against Carlos Alcaraz.

Artificial Intelligence as a Global Force

In 2025, artificial intelligence was no longer perceived merely as a technology. Automated decisions, increasingly autonomous models, and a direct impact on labor, finance, information, and creativity transformed AI into a genuine agent within the global system.

Ethical and Normative Debates

Governments and companies have been playing catch-up with this ongoing revolution, while ethical and regulatory debates have exploded. While AI lacked a physical form, it was a central protagonist of the year, as recognized by Time magazine's Person of the Year selection.

Claudia Sheinbaum: A Leading Voice in Latin America

Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, has completed her first full year in office. As the first female president of Mexico, Sheinbaum leads the second-largest economy in Latin America and a G20 nation.

Standing Up to Trump

Sheinbaum has confronted Donald Trump on trade and immigration issues. In 2026, Mexico will co-host the FIFA World Cup with the USA and Canada.

Before we move on, let's take a look at the key economic indicators of Mexico under President Sheinbaum:

Elon Musk's Unprecedented Wealth

Elon Musk's personal wealth reached unprecedented levels in 2025, exceeding $600 billion and later surpassing $700 billion. His influence spans space, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and digital platforms.

Debates on Wealth Concentration

Musk's economic power has reignited discussions about wealth concentration and the role of visionary entrepreneurs in shaping the future. This makes him an admired yet controversial figure.

Here is a snapshot of Elon Musk's Wealth Growth in 2025:

Jerome Powell's Delicate Balancing Act

Jerome Powell, as head of the Federal Reserve, was a key figure in 2025. He cautiously managed interest rates, implementing three cuts while striving to balance inflation control with economic growth. He resisted provocations from President Donald Trump.

Global Financial Stability

Powell's every word was scrutinized by global markets, underscoring the U.S. central bank's critical role in global financial stability. Powell embodied the difficult art of maintaining stability in an unstable world.

Emmanuel Macron's Troublesome Year

2025 was a particularly challenging year for French President Emmanuel Macron. Internal political crises, declining approval ratings, and difficulties in leading an increasingly fragmented France marked a weakening of his leadership.

Erosion of Leadership

Macron's European ambitions clashed with a hostile domestic reality, making the year an *annus horribilis*. Macron became a symbol of the challenges faced by traditional power in an era of profound transformation.

Zohran Mamdani's Historic Election in New York

Zohran Mamdani, at just 34 years old, was elected mayor of New York City. Of Indian and Ugandan descent, Mamdani is set to take office on January 1, 2026, representing a new and disruptive political face.

Revolutionary Proposals

He unexpectedly won the election by proposing revolutionary changes to rent regulations, free public transportation, and reduced costs for essential goods. After securing 56% of the vote in the Democratic primary against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, he became the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York.

Key Proposals by Zohran Mamdani:

Macron's Approval Rating

His approval rating is at an all-time low, with only 15% of French citizens supporting him.

Let's see at Macron's Approval rating Trend in 2025: