Valentina Pinault and mom Salma Hayek in 2023. Credit :
MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty
- Salma Hayek Pinault was named the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model
- The 58-year-old said her 17-year-old daughter, Valentina Pinault, wasn’t aware of the historic honor prior to her receiving it
- Salma shared that she grew up looking at the issue but never dreamed she’d be on the cover
Salma Hayek Pinault is going to have a hard time impressing her 17-year-old daughter. Valentina Paloma Pinault, with her newly announced Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The 58-year-old actress was recently announced as the new cover star of the highly coveted issue, but admitted on the Today show that her daughter, whom she shares with husband François-Henri Pinault, is not clued into the honor.
Salma Hayek and Valentina Pinault attend the Oscars in 2023. Mike Coppola/Getty
“My daughter had no idea what this cover was,” Salma shared on Today. “You know, it’s another generation.”
Despite her daughter not being invested in this historic moment, Salma shared that she grew up admiring the famed covers.
“I still can’t believe it,” she said of the accomplishment. “I remember when I was young and hot, I used to look at this magazine. I wanted to see who was the new gorgeous model, the new girl of the moment.”
Salma Hayek poses in a bikini on Instagram. Salma Hayek/Instagram
However, Salma said it “never crossed my mind” that she could be the swimsuit model.
“Because they didn’t look like me,” she explained. “My body’s not necessarily the model type. I just never thought it was a possibility. And for it to happen when I’m 58, it’s really shocking.”
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Back in April, Salma gushed about Valentina to PEOPLE, sharing that the teen is well-versed in beauty products.
“That one knows everything,” she said. “She knows products that you cannot even imagine that it exists. I’m like, ‘What is that?’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a this for the … whatever.’ So I can’t teach her anything. She’s the expert.”
The Magic Mike’s Last Dance star is currently preparing for her daughter to leave the nest. She mourned Valentina’s final birthday at home back in September 2024, writing an emotional tribute at the time.
“My baby last birthday at home (for now) Im already having separation anxiety she makes me laugh all day, teaches me so many things, keeps me motivated, inspires in so many ways makes me want to dance sing and cook and makes life so exciting I love you sooooooooo much mi Vale 💋🙏♥️” she wrote on Instagram at the time.
