9 handsome world leaders: Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky is setting social media alight, but Canada’s Justin Trudeau, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Spain’s Pedro Sánchez are strong competition

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky caught a lot of attention last week, but not for the reasons you might think. After a TikTok user posted a video of her thirsting over him, the clip went viral, prompting thousands of others to confess their secret crush on the 44-year-old married father.

And, to be honest, we get it. A young leader in the prime of his life, showing strong leadership, unrelenting bravery and a DGAF attitude (remember when he told the US he needed “ammunition, not a ride”) – what’s not to like?

A video grab of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivering an address in Kyiv on March 6. Photo: Ukrainian presidency press office/AFP
A new generation of world leaders is taking office – and if President Zelensky is anything to go by, we like what we see.

Here are some other surprisingly handsome politicians who have caused a stir online as unlikely heartthrobs.

1. Canada: Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Photo: @justinpjtrudeau/Instagram

The son of famous Canadian prime minister Pierre and former actress and “it” girl Margaret Sinclair, it’s clear that Justin Trudeau inherited some pretty enviable genes. His chiselled jawline, piercing blue-green eyes and thick head of hair has set him apart from other world leaders since his inauguration in 2015.

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2. France: Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron smiles during a summit at Nato headquarters in Brussels in 2017. Photo: AFP

When Emmanuel Macron became the French president elect in 2017, the internet erupted in fierce debate over who was the hottest world leader: Macron or Trudeau. Regardless of who won that argument though, it goes without saying that Macron gets full credit for making sideburns sexy again.

3. Spain: Pedro Sánchez

Spain’s President Pedro Sánchez. Photo: @sanchezcastejon/Instagram

Tall, dark and handsome, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez is a dashing figure in world politics. As a former basketball player and breakdancer, he’s got some serious moves, too.

4. Bhutan: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Photo:@kingjigmekhesar/Instagram

This Oxford-educated Himalayan royal is officially the Dragon King of Bhutan, as well as being dubbed less officially “Prince Charming’’ and the “People’s King” by the media. He’s also a staunch advocate of democratic principles, so even his issues are all good ones.

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5. Uruguay: Luis Lacalle Pou

Luis Lacalle Pou enjoys surfing. Photo: Instagram

With his long flowing locks and rockin’ bod, it probably shouldn’t surprise anyone that Uruguay’s president is an excellent surfer who’s often spotted at the beach. Shots taken of him last year went viral for all the right reasons.

6. Venezuela: Juan Guaido

Venezuelan acting president Juan Guaido. Photo: @jguaido/Instagram

Young, intelligent and fiercely dedicated to social issues, we’re all about this South American acting president. Venezuela’s ongoing presidential crisis means that both Guaido and former president Nicolas Maduro claim to be the country’s leader – but we know which one’s got our vote!

7. Liberia: George Weah

Before he became Liberia’s president, George Weah was a star footballer, playing for major clubs in France, Italy and England. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

A former professional football player with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City, George Weah was once named the world’s best footballer by Fifa. Although he’s in his 50s now, he’s still in shape.

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8. Costa Rica: Carlos Alvarado Quesada

Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada. Photo: @

This journalist and author was sworn into office when he was just 38 years old, making him the country’s youngest president in over a century. We also love that he’s passionate about the environment, pushing for Costa Rica to be totally carbon-neutral by 2050.

9. Austria: Karl Nehammer

Karl Nehammer. Photo: @

Austria’s newest chancellor Karl Nehammer cuts a fine figure in a suit, with a strong physique from his years spent serving in the military. He’s also got an enviable thick mane of silvery hair that definitely sets him apart.

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