On Wednesday, People en Español unveiled its highly anticipated annual list of the "50 Most Beautiful 2026." Leading the roster is singer Belinda, and among the chosen are four notable figures of Cuban descent: quarterback Fernando Mendoza, musician Cimafunk, rapper Pitbull, and television host William Valdés.
The magazine organizes its selections into thematic categories—music and stage, television, sports, and series—bringing together 50 personalities from various entertainment fields, sports, and the arts. According to the publication, these individuals have "made us laugh, made us cry, got us dancing and singing, moved us with their achievements, and inspired us with their sacrifices."
Fernando Mendoza: A Historic NFL Draft Pick
Fernando Mendoza is undoubtedly the standout addition to this year's edition. The Cuban-American quarterback, a descendant of Cuban immigrants and a former Indiana University player, was selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24 by the Las Vegas Raiders. This marked a significant milestone for Cuban-American sports.
Before joining the NFL, Mendoza completed 273 out of 379 passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions in his final college season. He also rushed for 276 yards and scored seven touchdowns. He earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship, subsequently signing a four-year rookie contract worth $57.3 million, fully guaranteed.
Cimafunk's Musical Impact
In the music category, Cimafunk, born Erik Alejandro Iglesias Rodríguez in Pinar del Río, has solidified his international presence by collaborating with artists like Karol G, Luis Fonsi, and Feid.
The musician from Pinar del Río, who became the first Cuban artist to perform at Coachella in 2024, recently shared a stage with Emilio Estefan, further enhancing his footprint in the American music scene.
Pitbull: Global Stage Sensation
Pitbull, known worldwide as "Mr. Worldwide," is listed under "The Attraction of the Stage" alongside stars like Rosalía, Aitana, and Yandel.
The Cuban-American rapper from Miami has maintained his status as one of the most commercially successful Latin artists globally for over two decades, and his inclusion in the list reaffirms his enduring presence in the Spanish-language entertainment industry.
William Valdés: A Star of the Small Screen
The fourth Cuban on the list is William Valdés López, a television host born in Havana on January 10, 1994. He appears in the "The Brilliance of the Small Screen" category with Dayanara Torres, Carmen Villalobos, and Karla Monroig.
The simultaneous presence of four Cuban-origin figures in different categories highlights a significant milestone in this year's edition and showcases the rising influence of Cuban talent in Spanish-speaking popular culture across both sides of the Atlantic.
Previous editions have recognized Cuban stars such as William Levy, Ana de Armas, Lili Estefan, and Yotuel Romero, but never before have four compatriots been featured in the same annual selection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Stars in People en Español's List
Who are the Cuban figures featured in People en Español's 2026 '50 Most Beautiful' list?
The Cuban figures featured this year are Fernando Mendoza, Cimafunk, Pitbull, and William Valdés.
What is Fernando Mendoza's significance in the NFL Draft?
Fernando Mendoza was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a historic achievement for Cuban-American athletes.
How has Cimafunk impacted the international music scene?
Cimafunk has made a significant impact by collaborating with prominent artists like Karol G, Luis Fonsi, and Feid, and by being the first Cuban artist to perform at Coachella.