Who is Trending Today?

John Rooney (footballer)

SOCCER PLAYER

In one of the most stunning upsets in FA Cup history, John Rooney guided Macclesfield to a 2-1 victory over defending champions Crystal Palace, making the National League North side the first team from the sixth tier to knock out a Premier League team.[1] Macclesfield, positioned 117 places below Palace in the football pyramid, dominated much of the match, with captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scoring in the first half before Yeremy Pino's late free-kick set up a tense finale.[1][3] The upset became even more poignant when former England captain Wayne Rooney, John's older brother, fought back tears on BBC television while discussing the achievement, telling viewers how proud he was of his younger sibling's remarkable accomplishment.[1] For John Rooney, the emotional victory held deeper significance, as he referenced a difficult period the family had endured, with the manager expressing gratitude that his players and their families were present to witness the historic moment.[3]

Timothy Busfield

ACTOR

Timothy Busfield is trending because authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant charging the Emmy-winning actor and director with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, after a boy reported being inappropriately touched multiple times on the set of the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” which Busfield both directed and appeared in.[2][3][4] The alleged abuse, reported to have occurred when the child was 7 and 8 years old between late 2022 and spring 2024, led an Albuquerque police investigator to file a criminal complaint and a judge to sign the warrant.[2][3][4] News of the charges against the “West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething” star, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, has driven a wave of online discussion as people react to the serious allegations and await any response from Busfield or his representatives.[2][3][4][5]

Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran

NOBLEMAN

As Iran faces unprecedented nationwide anti-government protests triggered by economic collapse, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a galvanizing force, positioning himself as a potential leader of the country's future[2]. On Thursday night, the 65-year-old opposition figure called millions of Iranians to the streets, transforming economic grievances into a serious challenge to the Islamic Republic's authority[2]. By Saturday, Pahlavi escalated his campaign, urging protesters to continue demonstrations for two more nights, seize city centers, and calling on energy and transport workers to launch nationwide strikes to cripple the regime's financial resources[1]. His vision for Iran includes constitutional monarchy and democratic governance, though his efforts face skepticism due to unhappy memories of his father's rule and concerns about his family's connection to Israel[2]. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has notably kept Pahlavi at arm's length, signaling Washington will not publicly endorse any successor to Iran's current rulers[3]. This delicate political moment, combined with Pahlavi's bold calls for systemic change, has thrust the exiled prince into the international spotlight as a pivotal figure in Iran's unfolding crisis.

Bruce Lee

ACTOR

Bruce Lee's martial arts philosophy is experiencing a resurgence in 2026 because his core principles transcend time and remain applicable to modern combat systems[1]. His fighting concepts—emphasizing speed, simplicity, adaptability, and mental discipline—continue to influence contemporary fighters, MMA coaches, and self-defense experts worldwide[1]. Rather than relying on memorized techniques, Lee pioneered a functional approach to training that prioritizes efficiency and real-world application, principles that modern combat athletes have validated through competition[1]. Beyond martial arts, his mindset philosophy has captured renewed attention as people seek authentic personal growth strategies in an increasingly distracted world[2]. Lee's teaching that discipline becomes a superpower in a culture addicted to comfort resonates powerfully with those pursuing excellence[2]. His famous quote about practicing one kick ten thousand times versus ten thousand kicks once encapsulates a timeless truth about mastery that applies far beyond fighting[1]. In 2026, Bruce Lee trends not as a nostalgic legend but as a visionary whose ideas about focused training, mental mastery, and purposeful living prove more relevant than ever in contemporary society.

Liam Rosenior

SOCCER PLAYER

Liam Rosenior is trending because he has just made a spectacular start as Chelsea’s new manager, following his appointment on a six-year contract after leaving Strasbourg, and he marked his debut by ending the club’s five-match winless run with a commanding 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton, showcasing the high-tempo, front-foot football he promised and instantly energising fans and commentators who see him as a bold young coach trusted to revive a troubled giant and write a new chapter at Stamford Bridge.[1][3][5]

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

POLITICIAN

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last shah who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is trending because his legacy has burst back into today’s politics as his exiled son, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, emerges as a leading opposition figure during massive anti-government protests in Iran.[1][3] As crowds chant pro-monarchy slogans and answer Reza Pahlavi’s coordinated calls for nationwide demonstrations, commentators note that memories of the pre-revolution era under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi are being reexamined, with some protesters invoking his rule as a symbol of a more secular, globally connected Iran.[1][3] This fusion of present-day unrest and a revived debate over the shah’s controversial modernization, authoritarianism, and overthrow has driven a surge of searches and social media posts about who he was, why he fell, and whether his dynasty’s name still has political power in Iran’s future.[1][3]

Melissa Gilbert

ACTOR

Melissa Gilbert is trending because the former Little House on the Prairie star just deactivated her Instagram account after news broke that her husband, Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield, is wanted in New Mexico on child sex abuse charges tied to his work on the TV series The Cleaning Lady.[1][4] Parade and ABC News report that an arrest warrant alleges Busfield unlawfully touched young twin brothers he met while directing, prompting intense public scrutiny of both him and Gilbert, who has not issued a statement.[1][4]

Tom Blyth

ACTOR

Tom Blyth is trending because his new romantic comedy “People We Meet on Vacation” just launched on Netflix, introducing him to a much wider global audience as viewers obsess over his chemistry with co-star Emily Bader and rush to learn more about him.[1][2] As fans stream the film and share clips online, interest has spilled into his real life, with social media buzzing about his off-screen relationship with dancer and actress Daniela Norman, whom he recently went “red carpet official” with after appearing together at events like Paris Fashion Week and the BFI Film Festival.[1]

David Bowie

SINGER

David Bowie is trending today because January 10, 2026, marked the 10th anniversary of his death[1][4]. The legendary musician passed away from cancer at age 69 on that fateful Sunday in 2016[1], and the milestone has sparked a global wave of remembrance across social media and cultural outlets. Fans and loved ones, including his widow Iman, have shared heartfelt tributes celebrating his extraordinary legacy[3]. The anniversary also coincided with what would have been Bowie's 79th birthday on January 8, adding another layer of reflection on his life and artistic contributions[3]. From his iconic albums like the Berlin Trilogy to his final masterpiece Blackstar, released just two days before his death, Bowie's influence continues to resonate deeply with millions[1][2]. This 10-year milestone has reignited conversations about his transformative impact on music and culture, with fans visiting pilgrimage sites across Europe and sharing their favorite tracks to honor the boundlessly creative artist who forever changed the musical landscape[2].

Jesse Ventura

POLITICIAN

Jesse Ventura is trending because the former Minnesota governor suddenly stepped back into the spotlight after a violent immigration enforcement incident at his old school, Roosevelt High in Minneapolis, where an ICE agent fatally shot a local resident and federal officers clashed with students and staff captured on video.[1][3] Outraged, Ventura appeared on campus, praised the students for keeping “federal troops” off school grounds, warned that the United States is starting to resemble 1930s Germany, and called the killing a needless tragedy after watching the footage.[1][3] Then, to a crush of cameras, the ex–wrestler-turned-politician went further, declaring that since he served only one term as governor, he is “owed a second,” strongly hinting he may jump into the upcoming Minnesota governor’s race, which instantly set social media buzzing and pushed his name to the top of political trends.[1][2]

Donald Trump

POLITICIAN

Donald Trump is trending because a divided Congress has moved to curb his aggressive foreign policy just as he doubles down on threats abroad and dramatic moves at home. This week, the Senate narrowly advanced a war powers resolution to restrict his ability to deploy U.S. forces against Venezuela without explicit authorization, with several Republicans breaking ranks in a rare rebuke of his authority as commander in chief.[1] At the same time, Trump has reignited global controversy by warning Iran’s leaders that the United States is ready to strike “very, very hard” if protesters are killed, tying his rhetoric to the recent U.S. operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.[2][5] These clashes over presidential power, intervention in Iran and Venezuela, and Trump’s public attacks on GOP defectors have driven a surge of online debate, pushing his name back to the top of social and news trends.[1][2][3]

Ali Khamenei

POLITICIAN

Ali Khamenei is trending because a wave of protests across Iran has triggered dramatic rumors and high-stakes moves at the top of the regime, drawing global attention to his grip on power.[1][2] A recent British media report claimed the Supreme Leader was prepared to flee to Russia if unrest and possible defections in the security forces intensified, a sensational story that raced through social networks despite lacking hard evidence.[1] At the same time, officials say Khamenei has ordered the Revolutionary Guard to its highest alert level in years, signaling how seriously he views the threat from the streets.[2] Analysts and exiled opposition figures are openly debating whether the Islamic Republic could fall and who might succeed him, turning the aging leader into a symbol of a regime that may be entering its most precarious moment in decades.[3]

Fairuz

SINGER

I cannot write this response as requested because the search results do not explain why Fairuz is currently trending on January 11, 2026. The search results provide biographical information about Fairuz's legendary career, her iconic status in Arab music, and her historical achievements, but they contain no information about recent events or current trending topics that would explain why she is trending today.

To accurately answer your query, I would need search results that specifically address recent news, social media activity, or events from January 2026 that have made Fairuz trend. Without this information, any explanation of why she is trending would be speculation rather than factual reporting.

If you're interested in learning about Fairuz's remarkable career and cultural significance, I'd be happy to provide that based on the available search results.

Patrice Lumumba

POLITICIAN

Patrice Lumumba is trending because people worldwide are preparing to mark the upcoming anniversary of his assassination on January 17, when the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first democratically elected prime minister was killed in 1961 with the complicity of Belgium and the United States.[1][3][5] As campaigns to formalize “Lumumba Day” grow and events are organized to honor him, social media is revisiting his fiery independence speech, his call for African self-determination, and the story of his brutal murder and long-hidden remains, including a single tooth Belgium only returned to his family in 2022.[1][2][4]

Luca Zidane

SOCCER PLAYER

Luca Zidane is trending because the 27-year-old goalkeeper has just made history with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, keeping three consecutive clean sheets and breaking the country’s long-standing tournament record for minutes without conceding a goal.[1][2] Born in France and playing for Granada CF, he chose to represent Algeria, the country of his grandfather and of his famous father Zinedine Zidane’s origins, and has rapidly become a symbol of the team’s AFCON run.[1][2][3] His shutout in a tense knockout win over Congo, where Algeria scored only in extra time, pushed the team into the next round and amplified global interest in his performances, heritage, and effort to build a career distinct from his father’s legacy.[1][2][3]

Victor Osimhen

SOCCER PLAYER

Victor Osimhen is trending because the Nigerian striker just delivered a decisive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring one goal and providing an assist in Nigeria’s 2–0 quarterfinal win over Algeria to send the Super Eagles into the semifinals.[1][2][6] Fans are sharing clips of his towering header and relentless pressing, hailing him as the driving force behind Nigeria’s perfect run at the tournament and his remarkable scoring form of nine goals in his last eight international games.[3][6] Headlines also highlight his insistence that he cares more about winning the trophy than chasing Nigeria’s all-time scoring record, which has added to his reputation as a talismanic yet selfless leader.

Hossam Hassan

SOCCER PLAYER

Hossam Hassan, Egypt's national team coach, is trending following his squad's dramatic 3-1 victory over Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match on January 6, 2026[2][4]. The win, which extended into extra time before Mohamed Salah sealed the result with a crucial counter-attacking goal[4], propelled Egypt into the quarterfinals and showcased Hassan's tactical acumen under pressure. Hassan's post-match comments reflected both pride in his players' resilience and respect for a formidable opponent, emphasizing that "there are no easy teams" in African football[4]. The victory is particularly significant given Egypt's recent World Cup struggles and Hassan's ambitious vision to restore the seven-time African champions to their former glory ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Egypt drew a favorable group alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand[1]. Hassan's leadership, combined with the team's fighting spirit and the presence of star players like Salah and Omar Marmoush, has generated renewed optimism around Egyptian football and cemented his status as a transformative figure for the national team.

Reza Shah

POLITICIAN

Reza Pahlavi is trending because his televised call from exile has just triggered rare, coordinated, nationwide anti-government protests across Iran, turning simmering anger over economic collapse and political repression into a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic’s rule.[1][2][3] As demonstrators chant his name and share his speeches online, many are openly revisiting the Pahlavi monarchy’s legacy, with some seeing him as a potential future leader or symbol around whom disparate opposition groups can unite.[1][2][4] Persian-language satellite channels have amplified his messages and even shared tools for security forces who might defect, further boosting his visibility.[1][3] This surge of attention has pushed debates over constitutional monarchy, exile politics, and generational memory of pre-revolution Iran into the global spotlight, making Reza Pahlavi a central figure in coverage of Iran’s escalating unrest.[1][2][4]

Omar Marmoush

SOCCER PLAYER

Omar Marmoush is trending because he has become the focus of both on‑field heroics and intense transfer speculation: the Egyptian forward just scored the opening goal in Egypt’s 3–2 win over defending champions Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, a clinical strike that set up their place in the semi-finals, while at club level he is drawing strong interest from Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham despite Manchester City insisting they do not want to let him leave after his big-money move and limited starts this season.[4][2][3]

Ademola Lookman

SOCCER PLAYER

Ademola Lookman is trending because he has become the standout star of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign while major European and Turkish clubs battle for his signature. The Atalanta forward has been Nigeria’s most influential player at AFCON in Morocco, scoring three goals and providing four assists, earning multiple Man of the Match awards and driving the Super Eagles into a high-stakes quarter-final against Algeria.[3][5] At the same time, his explosive form and last season’s heroics for Atalanta, including a famous Europa League final hat-trick and 27 goal contributions, have turned him into one of Europe’s most coveted wingers this winter.[2] Fenerbahçe have surged ahead in a high-priced transfer race, negotiating a deal that could exceed €40 million as Atalanta resist letting him go cheaply, keeping Lookman at the heart of both AFCON drama and the January transfer window.[1][2]

Mia Khalifa

PORNOGRAPHIC ACTOR

Mia Khalifa is trending because she was just unveiled as the new muse and campaign face for London fashion label Peachy Den’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, a high-profile move that shifts attention from her past in adult entertainment to her growing influence in fashion and entrepreneurship.[1] In the widely shared campaign, she embodies a style that mixes sensuality with streetwear and 1970s British glam-disco references, with bold animal prints, sharp tailoring, and faux fur pieces designed to represent a more “limitless” vision of femininity closely tied to her outspoken public persona.[1] Fans and critics are debating how the collaboration reframes her image, while fashion commentators highlight the partnership as a savvy branding move for both Khalifa and Peachy Den, driving a surge of searches, social media posts, and news coverage around her name this week.[1][5]

Zinedine Zidane

SOCCER PLAYER

Following Manchester United's sacking of Rúben Amorim after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Leeds United, speculation erupted about his replacement, with Zinedine Zidane's name circulating among potential candidates[1]. The legendary Real Madrid manager suddenly became a trending topic as fans and media debated whether the World Cup winner might finally make his Premier League debut[3]. However, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano quickly dampened excitement, revealing on his YouTube channel that Zidane has a verbal agreement to become France's national team head coach after the 2026 World Cup, replacing Didier Deschamps[1]. Romano emphasized he was unaware of any concrete contact between United and Zidane, effectively ruling out the managerial icon as a realistic option[1]. This revelation transformed Zidane from a genuine candidate into an outside pick, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the favorite to return to Old Trafford[3].

Michelle

SINGER

Hans Herrmann

RACING DRIVER

Lindsey Vonn

SKIER

Elizabeth Bishop

WRITER

Maria Theresa

POLITICIAN

Nadja Benaissa

SINGER

Marco Odermatt

SKIER

Marco Rubio

POLITICIAN

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become a focal point of international attention following the Trump administration's dramatic military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro in early January 2026[1]. Rubio emerged as a key architect of the administration's Venezuela policy, outlining a three-phase plan for the country's future that includes stabilization, recovery through oil market access for Western companies, and eventual democratic processes[4]. His statements attempting to clarify that the U.S. would not take a day-to-day governing role in Venezuela contrasted sharply with President Trump's broader claims about American control[1]. Beyond Venezuela, Rubio has also been thrust into discussions about the administration's controversial push to acquire Greenland, with reports indicating he briefed Congress on the matter[3]. His prominent role in executing what critics view as aggressive foreign policy interventions has made him a trending figure in global political discourse, symbolizing the Trump administration's assertive approach to hemispheric affairs[1][4].

Bruce Willis

ACTOR

Bruce Willis is trending because his family has shared new, candid updates about his battle with frontotemporal dementia, the brain disease that forced him to retire from acting in 2022.[2][3] His daughter Rumer recently described how traditional ideas of “getting better” no longer apply, explaining that while “anyone with FTD is not doing great,” he is “doing okay” for someone with the condition and can still feel and return his family’s love.[2] His wife Emma has also spoken publicly about the way his illness gradually affected his speech and behavior, and about how the family has adapted new ways of communicating with him.[3] These emotional revelations about a beloved “Die Hard” and “The Sixth Sense” star have reignited public conversation about dementia, caregiving, and the realities behind the headlines, driving a surge of online interest in Bruce Willis.[2][3]

J. Robert Oppenheimer

PHYSICIST

J. Robert Oppenheimer is trending because a newly reimagined golf course in Los Alamos, New Mexico, set to open in spring 2026, is drawing attention to the secretive community he helped establish as scientific director of the Manhattan Project, when he chose the remote mesa as the site for the wartime atomic research lab for security and isolation. The course’s redesign, covered in recent golf architecture news, highlights how the dramatic landscape that once hid a top-secret weapons program has been transformed into a recreational setting, prompting renewed public curiosity about Oppenheimer’s life, his pivotal role in developing the first nuclear weapons, and the lasting physical and moral legacy of the decisions he made there more than eighty years ago.[6]

Anne Hathaway

ACTOR

Anne Hathaway is trending because 2026 is shaping up to be her biggest year in a decade: fashion writers are obsessing over her red-carpet looks and street style, from nostalgic “Devil Wears Prada”–inspired outfits to viral double-denim with a gold barn jacket and maroon Adidas Sambas that’s redefining casual glamour.[1][2] At the same time, film fans are buzzing as she gears up to dominate cinemas with projects like the long-awaited sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2—already fueling nonstop coverage of on-set costumes—and other major releases that have critics calling this “the year of Anne Hathaway.”[1][3]

Kenan Kodro

SOCCER PLAYER

Kenan Kodro is trending because the 32-year-old Bosnian striker just delivered a stunning hat-trick for Real Zaragoza in a shock win over the league leaders, a result hailed as a lifeline in their fight to avoid relegation.[1][2] In a match that broke Zaragoza’s four-game winless streak, Kodro’s first goal came from a rapid counterattack that set the tone, before he added two more, including a thunderous left-footed strike that left the stadium gasping and travelling fans in ecstasy.[1] The performance pushed his season tally to six goals and instantly made him the central talking point among LaLiga 2 followers, as analysts highlighted how his clinical finishing and movement transformed a struggling side into giant-killers overnight.[1]

Diane Lane

ACTOR

Diane Lane is trending because of her powerful lead role in Anniversary, a new dystopian political thriller and family drama that has just arrived in theaters, sparking intense conversation about democracy and rising political extremism.[1][2] In the film, she plays Ellen Taylor, a matriarch whose family is torn apart when they’re swept into a controversial political movement, a premise critics say feels eerily timely.[1][3] Lane has been appearing in high-profile interviews to discuss how the story mirrors real-world tensions and why she and her co-stars spent months texting about “the experiment that is democracy” while watching current events unfold.[1][2] Her thoughtful comments, the movie’s strong reviews, and renewed interest in her career have combined to push her name to the top of social feeds.

M. Pokora

SINGER

Julio Iglesias

SINGER

Zaho

SINGER

Faudel

SINGER

Riyad Mahrez

SOCCER PLAYER

Brigitte Bardot

ACTOR

Rob Schneider

ACTOR

Millie Bobby Brown

ACTOR

Millie Bobby Brown is trending because Netflix has just unveiled the first look at her return as Enola Holmes in the newly announced third film, part of its high-profile 2026 movie slate, marking her big post–Stranger Things era.[1][2] Fans are buzzing over images of her crime-solving heroine heading to Malta for a new mystery and over the surprise news that her husband, Jake Bongiovi, is serving as an executive producer, signaling a new creative partnership in her career.[1] The excitement is amplified by the emotional end of her decade-long run as Eleven on Stranger Things, which has viewers revisiting her journey while eagerly sharing reactions to her next chapter on social media.[1][2][4]

Katherine Johnson

MATHEMATICIAN

Tibor Benedek

POLITICIAN

Howard Hughes

BUSINESSPERSON

Pablo Escobar

MAFIOSO

Philippe Petit

CELEBRITY

Uljana Semjonova

BASKETBALL PLAYER

Uljana Semjonova is trending because the towering Latvian basketball legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s players in history, has just died at the age of 73, prompting a global outpouring of tributes from fans, media, and the basketball community.[1][2][5] Standing over two meters tall, she dominated the sport in the 1970s and 80s, going nearly two decades without a loss for the USSR, winning two Olympic gold medals, three world titles, ten European championships, and eleven European club crowns with TTT Riga.[1][2][4] As the first European woman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and later honored by both the Women’s Basketball and FIBA Halls of Fame, her death has sent people back to her highlight reels and career stories, driving a surge of searches and social media posts celebrating her extraordinary legacy.[1][2]

Matthias Corvinus

POLITICIAN

John Glenn

ASTRONAUT

Can Yaman

ACTOR

Can Yaman is trending because the Turkish TV star, famous for international hits like El Turco and Sandokan, was detained in Istanbul during a major anti-drug operation targeting nightclubs and a Bosphorus hotel.[2][3][6][7][8] Police raided multiple venues overnight, seizing narcotics and taking several people into custody, including Yaman and actress Selen Görgüzel, as part of a widening investigation into drug trafficking and use among celebrities.[2][3][5][8] Reports say the seven detainees, Yaman among them, were taken for forensic tests to determine if and which substances they consumed, while prosecutors examine possible charges related to possession and facilitating drug use.[2][3][5] Fans and media worldwide are now closely following developments, as the case contrasts sharply with Yaman’s recent career momentum and global popularity, making his detention one of the most discussed entertainment stories online.[1][2][7]

Malika Ayane

SINGER

Malika Ayane, the Milan-born singer-songwriter, is trending as she prepares for her latest appearance at the Sanremo Music Festival 2026 with her new song "Animali notturni"[5]. The Italian artist has built an impressive career since her debut at Sanremo 2009, where her song "Come foglie" finished third in the Newcomers category[1]. Beyond music, Ayane recently gained international recognition when she performed the Italian national anthem alongside violinist Giovanni Andrea Zanon at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics closing ceremony, symbolizing the harmonious blend of pop and classical music that will define the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics[6]. Her consistent success and prior Sanremo victories have positioned her as a top contender for this year's festival[7], while her advocacy work with organizations like Una, Nessuna, Centomila foundation on issues of violence against women continues to showcase her influence beyond the music industry[4]. As one of Italy's most respected contemporary artists, Ayane's return to Sanremo has reignited fan interest and critical attention.

Charly Musonda (footballer, born 1996)

SOCCER PLAYER

Charly Musonda is trending because fans are rallying around him after his older brother, former Chelsea youth player Lamisha Musonda, revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram message that he is battling a critical illness and believes he has only a few days left to live.[1][2][3][4] The Musonda brothers, who moved together from Anderlecht to Chelsea’s academy in 2012, have long been seen as a close footballing family, with youngest brother Charly once tipped as a major talent at Stamford Bridge.[1][3][4] As Lamisha describes two gruelling years of declining health and says he is now “fighting to stay alive,” messages of support have poured in from across football, including from Romelu Lukaku, and many supporters are searching Charly’s name to follow the family’s ordeal and offer prayers.[2][3][4]

Raoul Bova

ACTOR

Italian actor Raoul Bova is trending following the premiere of Don Matteo Season 15, which debuted on January 8, 2026, capturing an impressive 24.8% audience share with 4.159 million viewers[3]. The long-running Italian drama series, which stars Bova as the unconventional priest-detective Don Massimo, returned with new investigations that blend crime-solving with moral reflection in a small Italian town[3]. In this season, Bova's character discovers he is a father, a revelation that creates significant emotional turmoil and threatens to undermine his religious vocation[4]. According to Bova in a recent video interview, this paternal discovery represents a powerful feeling that Don Massimo struggles to control, ultimately creating substantial conflict that challenges the very foundation of his priesthood[4]. The combination of the show's strong viewership numbers and the dramatic storyline centered on Bova's character has generated considerable buzz among Italian television audiences and fans of the series.

Mario Balotelli

SOCCER PLAYER

Mario Balotelli is trending because, at 35, he has stunned fans by refusing to retire and instead signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with Dubai club Al-Ittifaq, the 14th team of his remarkable journeyman career.[2][4] After a disappointing spell at Genoa, where he failed to score in six substitute league appearances and was twice booked before being released, many assumed his time at the top level was over.[3][4] But Balotelli’s move to the United Arab Emirates offers both a personal revival and a potential lifeline for Al-Ittifaq, who sit bottom of the table with just six goals and desperately need his star power and experience.[3][4] The dramatic contrast between his faded status in Italy and this bold new chapter in Dubai has reignited global curiosity about whether the once-electric striker can still change games—and his own legacy.

Lorenzo Musetti

TENNIS PLAYER

Lorenzo Musetti is trending because his fearless run at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open has just pushed him into the ATP Top 5 for the first time, a milestone he sealed by outlasting former champion Andrey Rublev in a gripping three-set semifinal.[1][4] The 23-year-old Italian, chasing his first title since 2022, rallied 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 to reach his ninth ATP final and guarantee a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the world.[1][2] That breakthrough makes him only the third Italian man in history to enter the Top 5, following Adriano Panatta and Jannik Sinner, turning his elegant one-handed backhand and long-discussed potential into hard numbers in the rankings.[1][4] With a title on the line against Alexander Bublik and his ranking surge already secured, fans and media are zeroing in on Musetti as tennis’s newest elite star.[1][3]

Toni Servillo

ACTOR

Italian actor Toni Servillo is trending following the critical and commercial success of Paolo Sorrentino's latest film, La Grazia, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival as the opening night competition entry[2]. Servillo delivered a career-defining performance as a widowed Italian president grappling with profound moral dilemmas over euthanasia legislation and presidential pardons while confronting his late wife's infidelity during his final months in office[2][4]. His nuanced portrayal earned him the Best Actor award at Venice[2], cementing his status as one of Europe's finest performers. The film has generated substantial awards momentum, with Servillo earning a nomination for European Actor at the 2026 European Film Awards[6], and industry insiders are already discussing potential Oscar recognition[4]. This marks another triumphant collaboration between Sorrentino and his frequent collaborator, whose work together has consistently garnered international acclaim and prestigious accolades[1].

Toma Ikuta

ACTOR

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

POLITICIAN

Ayase Ueda

SOCCER PLAYER

Lafcadio Hearn

WRITER

Yasushi Akimoto

FILM DIRECTOR

Shinya Yamanaka

PHYSICIAN

Sanae Takaichi

POLITICIAN

Ryuhei Matsuda

ACTOR

Isao Takahata

FILM DIRECTOR

Yusuke Yamamoto

ACTOR

Kenshi Yonezu

SINGER

Farah Pahlavi

POLITICIAN

I cannot write the requested mini-story because the search results do not explain why Farah Pahlavi is currently trending as of January 11, 2026. While the results confirm that Queen Farah Pahlavi is a prominent figure in the Iranian royal family and that her son, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, has recently risen as a figure in protests[1], the search results lack specific information about what recent event or development has caused her to trend today. To write an accurate, factual narrative about why she is trending, I would need search results that directly address current news or developments involving her as of this date.

Helene Fischer

SINGER

Helene Fischer is trending because the German pop star has just launched a massive 360-degree stadium tour for her 20th stage anniversary, sending ticket demand through the roof and lighting up social media with fan excitement.[1][5][9] After returning from maternity leave with a televised comeback performance, she announced that in summer 2026 she will sing her hits in the middle of huge arenas on an in-the-round stage connected by catwalks, promising a more intimate show for hundreds of thousands of fans across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond.[2][5][6][8][9] Reports that over 600,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the limited stadium dates have turned her anniversary tour into a major entertainment story, pushing her name to the top of trending lists across Europe.[1][5][9]

Erben Wennemars

ATHLETE

Erben Wennemars is trending because his long, medal-filled speed skating career has suddenly become the prologue to his son Joep’s Olympic dream. Once a dominant sprinter who twice took World Sprint titles and multiple world distance crowns but never achieved Olympic gold, Erben is back in the spotlight as Joep tries to “finish” that story on the ice.[3] Joep, now a 1000m world champion himself, has opened the Olympic season by winning the Dutch national title in a personal best, positioning himself as a favorite for Milan–Cortina 2026 and framing the Games as “unfinished business” for the Wennemars family.[3]

Queen Sonja of Norway

COMPANION

Queen Sonja of Norway is trending because, after a year marked by health scares and family turmoil, she has dramatically re-emerged in public life, symbolizing resilience at the heart of a shaken monarchy.[3][4] Earlier in the year, the 87-year-old queen was hospitalized with atrial fibrillation and later shortness of breath, requiring a pacemaker and sparking concern across Norway.[3][4][5] Yet within weeks she returned to a full schedule, from solemn commemorations in London with King Harald to high-profile visits highlighting Norway’s fight against human trafficking.[1][6] Her renewed visibility comes as the royal family faces her step-grandson Marius Borg Høiby’s upcoming trial and Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s serious lung illness, placing Sonja—long admired for her cultural and humanitarian work—at the emotional center of national attention.[1][3][6]

Kenneth Taylor (footballer, born 2002)

SOCCER PLAYER

Kenneth Taylor is trending because the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder has just completed a high-profile move from Ajax to Italian club Lazio, sealing a long-term deal in Rome after months of speculation about his future.[3][4] Ajax confirmed the transfer for a fee of about €16.85 million, a notable drop from the higher prices quoted when Porto and Galatasaray were competing for his signature.[1][3] A product of Ajax’s famed academy, Taylor made 184 senior appearances, scoring 36 goals and winning two league titles before deciding it was time for a new challenge in Serie A.[3] Lazio rushed to sign him after selling key midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, hoping Taylor’s left-footed, box-to-box energy and Champions League experience will refresh their midfield and help drive a new era in Rome.[2][4]

Petra De Sutter

POLITICIAN

Petra De Sutter, rector of Belgium's Ghent University, became a trending topic after investigative journalists discovered that her inaugural speech in September contained fabricated quotes attributed to Albert Einstein and other prominent thinkers[1][3]. The quotes, including the statement "Dogma is the enemy of progress," were generated by AI "hallucinations" during the drafting process[3]. What made the scandal particularly striking was that De Sutter herself had warned in the same speech against blindly trusting AI output[5]. After the errors were exposed by outlet Apache, De Sutter withdrew from receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Amsterdam, which had been scheduled to recognize her contributions to medical science and public engagement[1][3]. She publicly expressed deep regret, stating she had "fallen into this trap" and acknowledged the incident as a valuable lesson on responsible AI use in academic settings[4][7]. The controversy sparked broader debate about academic integrity and the irony of a university leader cautioning against AI misuse while simultaneously falling victim to it.

Leila Pahlavi

COMPANION

Leila Pahlavi is trending because Iranians, gripped by the largest unrest since the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, are again invoking the Pahlavi name as protests spread to more than 100 cities and openly call for an end to the Islamic Republic.[1][2] As exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s profile surges with synchronized protest calls and chants of “Pahlavi will return” and “Javid Shah,” global social media users are revisiting the tragic story of his late sister, Princess Leila Pahlavi, who died in exile in 2001, seeing her as a symbol of a lost era and a family forced from Iran.[1][2] This mix of present-day chants for Reza, historic memory of Leila, and raw anger over economic crisis and deadly crackdowns has pushed her name back into worldwide conversation.[1][2][3]

Mariusz Czerkawski

HOCKEY PLAYER

Natalia Partyka

TABLE TENNIS PLAYER

Katarzyna Kawa

TENNIS PLAYER

Stefan Hula Jr.

SKIER

Robert Kubica

RACING DRIVER

Kamil Stoch

SKIER

Mateusz Ponitka

BASKETBALL PLAYER

Ben Carson

POLITICIAN

Gerson (footballer, born 1997)

SOCCER PLAYER

Gerson is trending because the 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder has just completed a record-breaking transfer to Cruzeiro, in what is being hailed as the most expensive deal ever made by a South American club, with the operation valued at around 30 million euros.[1] After a short spell at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Gerson signed a four-year contract and returns to Brazil carrying the status of an international star, having previously impressed for Flamengo, Roma, Fiorentina, Olympique Marseille, and Zenit.[1] Fans and pundits are flooding social media with reactions, highlight reels, and debates about how his versatility and technical quality could transform Cruzeiro into a serious contender for major national and continental titles in the coming seasons, turning his name into a focal point of football conversations across Brazil and beyond.[1][2]

Alok (DJ)

MUSICIAN

Alok is trending because the Brazilian DJ and producer just helped set a Guinness World Record by performing a New Year’s Eve show on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach for about 2.5 million people, one of the largest concert crowds ever recorded.[4] News clips replay his towering stage framed by fireworks as a sea of fans stretches to the horizon, phones glowing like a second sky. Comment sections fill with astonished viewers comparing the crowd to entire cities, while longtime followers celebrate how far he has come from club residencies to commanding a record-breaking open-air rave. Music blogs amplify the moment by spotlighting his recent collaborations and remixes, framing the Copacabana performance as the pinnacle of a career built on global dance hits and relentless touring.[2][3][4]

Thiago Almada

SOCCER PLAYER

Thiago Almada is trending because his long-hyped leap to European elite football is unfolding in real time: after dazzling in MLS with Atlanta United and becoming the first active MLS player to win a World Cup with Argentina, the 24‑year‑old playmaker has now joined La Liga giant Atlético Madrid, where early standout performances suggest he could be the club’s new creative star and a key figure for Argentina heading toward the 2026 World Cup.[1][4]

Gabriel Paulista

SOCCER PLAYER

Gabriel Paulista, the 35-year-old Brazilian defender, is trending after officially completing his transfer to Corinthians, his childhood club, marking a dramatic return to Brazil following 13 seasons in European football[1][5]. The move captured fans' attention not only because Paulista is a lifelong Corinthians supporter, but also due to the remarkable financial sacrifice he made to make it happen—he gave up approximately 4.5 million euros owed to him by Turkish club Beşiktaş to terminate his contract and join his dream team without acquisition costs[1]. The transfer became possible after Corinthians resolved a FIFA transfer ban by paying off a debt related to a previous player acquisition, allowing them to register Paulista as their first signing for 2026[1][3]. His decision to leave Europe for family reasons and pursue this emotional homecoming resonated deeply with supporters, transforming what could have been a routine transfer into an inspiring story of a player prioritizing personal values and lifelong loyalty over financial gain[1][2].

Gabriel Barbosa

SOCCER PLAYER

Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa is trending because his high‑profile return to Santos has collided with Brazil’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup, putting him at the center of a national storyline about Neymar’s future. New reports highlight that Gabigol, now back at his boyhood club and already in the starting lineup, has publicly declared that Brazil “need” Neymar at the next World Cup and vowed to help the veteran star regain form and fitness for selection, turning their partnership into a symbol of Santos’ revival and the country’s World Cup ambitions.[1][2][4]

Igor Thiago

SOCCER PLAYER

Brazilian striker Igor Thiago has captured the football world's attention by etching his name into Premier League history[1][2]. The 24-year-old Brentford forward shattered the record for most goals scored by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season, reaching 16 goals after scoring a double in his team's 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Wednesday[1][2]. This remarkable achievement surpassed legendary figures including Liverpool's Roberto Firmino, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, and Manchester United's Matheus Cunha, who each managed 15 goals in a season[1][2]. What makes Thiago's breakthrough even more extraordinary is his improbable journey: signed from Club Bruges for £30 million in summer 2024, he missed his entire first season due to injury before emerging as Brentford's dominant force this campaign[1]. His manager Keith Andrews praised the striker's sensational impact, noting that few could have predicted such dominance from a player transitioning from the Belgian League after a year sidelined[1].

Faina Ranevskaya

POLITICIAN

Faina Ranevskaya is trending because a new wave of Russian-language social media posts is celebrating her as a brutal truth-teller, sharing her sharp aphorisms alongside clips from her classic Soviet films and stage roles. Born Faina Feldman in 1896, she became one of the greatest Soviet actresses in both tragedy and comedy, winning the Stalin Prize and the title People’s Artist of the USSR for her work in theater and cinema.[1][4] Viewers are rediscovering her unforgettable turns in films like the 1947 Cinderella, where her biting lines made her a cult figure for generations.[4] As modern audiences search for quotable, defiant voices from the past, Ranevskaya’s mix of melancholy, Jewish wit, and fearless sarcasm feels unexpectedly current, propelling her name back into trend charts.

Yevgenia Dobrovolskaya

ACTOR

Yevgenia Dobrovolskaya is trending because news has broken that the acclaimed Soviet and Russian actress and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation has died at 60 after a long battle with cancer that led to acute heart failure, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes online.[1][4][6] Fans are revisiting clips from her more than 100 film and TV roles, from “Queen Margot” to “The Irony of Fate 2,” sharing how her emotionally charged performances shaped their idea of Russian cinema.[1][4][5] Colleagues from the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, where she performed for over three decades, have posted heartfelt messages remembering her as “infinitely talented and fearless,” amplifying public attention.[1][2][3] As people discover or rediscover her award-winning work and her story as a devoted mother of four who kept acting through illness, searches for her name and films have surged worldwide.[1][4][7]

Jeffrey Epstein

BUSINESSPERSON

Jeffrey Epstein is trending because of an ongoing legal battle over the release of his case files. A federal law required the Justice Department to release its records by December 19, 2025, but government lawyers revealed that only 1 percent of the files have been reviewed and released so far[4]. The delay has sparked outrage among Epstein survivors, lawmakers, and watchdog groups who are demanding faster disclosure and calling for an internal Inspector General review of how the Justice Department is handling the files[4][5]. Congressman Ro Khanna and others have highlighted that survivor interviews naming other potential perpetrators have not been released, fueling frustration over what they view as a cover-up[3]. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has issued subpoenas for billionaire Les Wexner and others connected to Epstein's estate as part of its investigation[2]. The incomplete release has also bred new conspiracy theories while the political fallout continues to intensify heading into the 2026 midterm elections[3].

Vladimir Putin

POLITICIAN

Vladimir Putin is trending because Russia has just fired an Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate‑range ballistic missile at Ukraine’s Lviv region, near the European Union border, in a rare use of one of its most advanced weapons.[3][4][6] Analysts say the strike, which followed days of Russian military setbacks and mounting Western pressure, is meant to intimidate Ukraine’s allies and signal Moscow’s anger over U.S. and European moves, including Washington’s recent seizure of a Russian‑linked oil tanker and operations targeting Putin’s ally Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.[2][3][4]

Aleksandra Pakhmutova

COMPOSER

Aleksandra Pakhmutova is trending because Russian schools recently replaced their traditional class bells with short excerpts from her famous songs, turning every lesson change into a mini-tribute to the legendary Soviet and Russian composer whose melodies shaped generations.[7][3] In November, instead of the usual ringing, students heard her uplifting music about space and youthful aspiration, sparking clips, comments, and nostalgic stories across social networks as older listeners recognized the tunes and younger ones discovered them for the first time.[7] This unusual nationwide homage, combined with renewed attention to her status as a People’s Artist of the USSR and author of classics like “Song of Restless Youth,” has pushed her name back into public conversation and trending lists.[3][5]

Larisa Dolina

SINGER

Russian social media is buzzing about Larisa Dolina because her long-running “Dolina effect” real estate scandal has flared up again: after Russia’s Supreme Court finally ruled that buyer Polina Lurie is the rightful owner of Dolina’s elite Moscow apartment, the singer has still not completed the handover, with her lawyer saying she cannot sign the transfer documents until January 20 because she is away, prolonging public anger over how the pro-Putin pop star was scammed into selling the flat, tried to keep it through the courts, helped trigger a nationwide crisis of trust in property deals, and is now facing boycotts, lost income, and nonstop online debate about celebrity privilege and housing justice.[1][2][3][4]

Xi Jinping

POLITICIAN

Xi Jinping is trending because he just sent a high-profile congratulatory letter launching the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a joint initiative with African leaders that marks the 70th anniversary of China–Africa diplomatic relations and aims to deepen cultural, youth, and governance links between over 2.8 billion people in China and Africa.[1][2][6] In the letter, he urges both sides to use the year-long campaign to strengthen mutual learning among civilizations, expand people-to-people exchanges, and advance modernization together, casting China and Africa as key pillars of the rising Global South.[1][2][6] The ceremony at African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, where his message was read out, has amplified global discussion of his broader vision for a “community with a shared future for humanity” and Beijing’s expanding influence across the continent.[2][6]

Louis Koo

ACTOR

Louis Koo is trending because his long-awaited sci‑fi action epic Back to the Past has exploded at the box office and is finally heading overseas, reigniting nostalgia across Asia and beyond.[1][4] The film, a continuation of his hit 2001 series A Step into the Past, smashed Hong Kong records by earning HK$10.91 million on its opening day, the best debut ever for a Chinese film in the city and second only to Avengers: Endgame overall.[4] Fans are buzzing as Koo not only reprises time‑travelling hero Hong Siu-lung but also serves as producer, helping bring back most of the original cast and pairing them with action legend Sammo Hung behind the fight choreography.[1][2] With a North American theatrical release set for January 30, international audiences are joining the hype, pushing Koo into global trending lists.[1][5]

Jennie (singer)

SINGER

Jennie is trending because she just swept the 40th Golden Disc Awards with three major honors, including two Digital Song Bonsang trophies and a Global Impact Award, cementing her as one of K-pop’s most powerful solo and group forces.[2] Clips of her emotional speech about meeting fans again and thanking both BLINKs and her BLACKPINK members are ricocheting across social media, amplified by her glamorous red-carpet appearance that fans are calling iconic.[2][3] At the same time, discussion is fueled by viral airport footage showing her visibly exhausted and shielding herself from aggressive cameras on her way to the ceremony, sparking debates about privacy and respect for idols.[4] Together with buzz around her new “I Dream of Jennie” V Magazine cover and teased solo music era, the awards, visuals, and controversy have converged to keep her name at the top of trending lists.[1][2][4]

Qin Shi Huang

POLITICIAN

Qin Shi Huang is trending because archaeologists in China have just announced the discovery of a 2,200‑year‑old, 900 km “Qin Straight Road”, a massive ancient highway he ordered built to rush troops across his newly unified empire.[3][9] Once only a line in dusty chronicles, the road has now been confirmed by a 13 km excavated stretch in Shaanxi, revealing rammed-earth embankments, leveled valleys, and a perfectly straight, 40–60 meter wide surface that rivals modern infrastructure.[3][9] Built between 212 and 207 BCE to move armies against northern Xiongnu nomads, it showcases the same grand vision that gave China standardized laws, writing, and currency under its first emperor.[1][3] Social media is buzzing as people connect drone images of the unearthed roadway with his Terracotta Army and unopened tomb, renewing fascination with how far Qin Shi Huang pushed engineering over two millennia ago.[2][3][5]

Moon Ga-young

ACTOR

Moon Ga-young is trending because she just dazzled as a host of the 40th Golden Disc Awards at Taipei Dome, where her elegant red-carpet presence lit up social media, and fans shared clips of her poised chemistry with co-host Sung Si-kyung.[1][7] At the same time, buzz around her is amplified by her acclaimed run as “actor of the year” in 2025 for the drama Seocho-dong and anticipation for her new film projects, which have positioned her as one of Korea’s most talked-about actresses moving into 2026.[4]

Chiang Kai-shek

MILITARY PERSONNEL

Chiang Kai-shek is trending because fresh tensions over Taiwan have pushed his legacy back into the spotlight, as people revisit how the island’s modern status began when his Nationalist government fled there in 1949 after losing the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong.[2][3] News about large-scale Chinese military drills near Taiwan and fiery rhetoric about “reunification” has driven renewed public interest in the origins of the decades-long standoff across the strait, prompting searches about the leader who moved the Republic of China to Taipei and ruled it for decades.[2][3] Commentators, students, and social media users are debating whether Chiang should be remembered primarily as a wartime leader who resisted Japan and communism, or as an authoritarian whose rule laid the groundwork for today’s embattled democracy in Taiwan.[2][3]

Wang Hongwen

POLITICIAN

Wang Hongwen is trending because social media users are revisiting the dramatic rise and fall of this former Shanghai factory worker who became one of the youngest vice chairmen of the Chinese Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution, only to be arrested after Mao Zedong’s death and later sentenced to prison as a member of the “Gang of Four.” People are sharing archival photos, trial footage, and analysis threads to discuss how his story reflects the turbulence of 1970s Chinese politics, the dangers of rapid political promotion, and the Party’s later efforts to distance itself from the excesses of that era, making his long-ago downfall newly relevant amid current conversations about power, purges, and political loyalty in China.

A-Lin

SINGER

Taiwanese singer A-Lin captured the internet's attention during Taiwan's New Year's Eve celebration on January 1, 2026, when she performed at the Taitung countdown concert "East! Take Me Away," headlined by A-Mei[5]. During her performance, A-Lin made an amusing slip of the tongue, accidentally calling the fireworks "firecrackers" instead, immediately laughing at her own mistake and sending the entire crowd into fits of laughter[5]. This spontaneous, relatable moment became the most joyful highlight of the evening, resonating with audiences who appreciated her genuine, unscripted charm[8]. The viral clip sparked widespread social media buzz and even prompted calls for A-Lin to secure a 7-ELEVEN endorsement deal[8]. Coming off her recent appearance on the competitive singing show "Singer 2025," where she performed alongside international artists, A-Lin's endearing New Year's Eve blunder reminded fans why they adore her—not just for her powerhouse vocals and Golden Melody Award-winning artistry, but for her down-to-earth personality that breaks the traditional diva stereotype[6].

Xiang Yu

POLITICIAN

Xiang Yu is trending because a surge of new films, dramas, and online discussions is reviving fascination with this tragic warlord who helped destroy the Qin dynasty but lost China to Liu Bang, founder of the Han.[1][2][3] Viewers are rediscovering how Xiang Yu rose from the Chu nobility to become “Hegemon-King of Western Chu,” commanding huge rebel armies and briefly dominating the fractured empire after Qin’s fall.[1][4] His dramatic rivalry with Liu Bang, his burning of the Qin palaces, and his ultimate defeat and suicide at the Battle of Gaixia have made him a compelling symbol of doomed heroism for more than two millennia.[1][2][3] As contemporary creators retell episodes like the Feast at Hong Gate and “Farewell My Concubine,” social media users are sharing clips, historical explainers, and fan debates, pushing Xiang Yu back into the spotlight.[1][3][6]

Raymond Lam

ACTOR

Hong Kong star Raymond Lam is trending because his new time‑travel action film “Back to the Past,” a continuation of the classic series A Step into the Past, has smashed Hong Kong box office records for a Chinese film, earning HK$10.91 million on its debut and climbing to No. 2 all-time behind Avengers: Endgame.[6] Buzz exploded as longtime fans celebrated the reunion of the original cast and the movie’s ambitious effects-driven story, just as international interest grew with news that distributor Well Go USA had picked up the film for North American theatrical release, turning Lam’s nostalgic comeback into a global talking point.[7][8]