Most lusted-after world-leaders from Tony Blair to topless Putin as Justin Trudeau quits

Justin Trudeau was once dubbed the ‘hottest leader in the world‘, but who will take the unofficial title now he has resigned?

From Tony Blair winning torso of the week to Vladimir Putin’s topless ‘thirst traps,’ it’s not just political manifestos that catch the eye of the public.

Outside of their political achievements – or scandals – voters across the world have crushes on world leaders from France’s Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine’s heroic leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

As Trudeau steps down, we look at which leading politicians have left people hot under the collar over the years – including some surprising contenders.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy







People are always quick to comment on Zelenskyy’s biceps in his tight t-shirts
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Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Former actor Volodymyr Zelensky‘s incredible bravery has made him a worldwide inspiration, but it’s his biceps that have left TikTokers in a frenzy. A quick search for his name on the app shows hundreds of videos of his muscles popping out in tight fitted tees, unbuttoned shirts and even the nickname “Sexylensky.” He once told the US he needed “ammunition, not a ride” which sent the internet into a meltdown.

Vladimir Putin







Putin became a hot topic after his shirtless snaps were shared on Russian mainstream media sites
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AFP/Getty Images)







However his ‘macho’ image was mocked by Western leaders
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AFP/Getty Images)

Who can forget Putin’s topless ‘thirst traps’? Like your favourite cowboy in a Wild West film, the Russia leader channelled his inner John Wayne in the snaps, riding a horse wearing just a pair of trousers.

The shock photos aren’t his first rodeo, as Mr Putin has been pictured shirtless several times in Russian state media, including while carrying a hunting rifle and going fishing.

Experts believe Putin used the photos to try and appear macho, but he was quickly mocked by Western leaders. The controversial politician quickly fired back, stating they all needed to cut out alcohol and do more sport.

Tony Blair







Tony Blair once won the Heat magazine torso of the week
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BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)

When you think of famous topless photos from the Noughties, Tony Blair may not instantly spring to mind, but Mr Blair did win Heat magazine’s torso of the week back in 2007.

Channeling his best Hugh Grant in Love Actually, he became the the first politician to ever scoop the prestigious title, and it seems as if people started to take a little more notice of British politics during his time in office.

Barack Obama







People loved Barack Obama and his effortlessly cool image
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AFP/Getty Images)







He once made Gywneth Paltrow ‘speechless’ due to his looks
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AFP)

Not only did the fomer US President make history as the first black President, he was also very popular with the women. Barack Obama once made Gwyneth Paltrow blush during a conversation, where she told the President at the time: “You’re so handsome that I can’t speak properly.”

Obama did the ‘off duty’ look better than most, being snapped out of office usually wearing relaxed tee’s, tracksuits and baseball caps. He was even heckled by a supporter during a midterm campaign trail speech in Detroit. In a clip from MSNBC shared on Twitter, Barack tells a crowd at Detroit Renaissance High School gymnasium: “Sometimes going on a campaign trail feels a little harder than it used to, not just because I am older and grayer….”

While the crowd laughed at his statement a woman sitting behind the speech podium chimed in and yelled out “You fine as [expletive].” Obama thought the comment was funny and turned around and asked the woman to repeat what she said. He later joked and said he wasn’t going to tell Michelle [Obama] she said that.

Emmanuel Macron







Emmanuel Macron has always been popular on social media due to his looks
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AFP via Getty Images)

Macron seemed to be Trudeau’s biggest competition when it came to taking the title as the world’s most lusted-after leader. Shortly after he was elected as the French president, the internet erupted into a debate over who was better looking. Although Trudeau won, it’s safe to say Macron managed to somehow make sideburns look good, and got people a little hot under the collar.

Jacinda Ardern






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Rick Rycroft/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

The former New Zealand leader became the country’s most popular leader in 100 years, thanks to her incredible response to the pandemic. Not only did she become the world’s youngest female prime minister in 2017, she paved the way for better women’s rights battling period poverty and improving maternity care.

She also faced a lot of sexist questions during her time in office, from being asked about hair dye to being questioned about maternity leave, but it didn’t phase the leader who always quipped back with steely responses. Many voters had a big crush on Ardern, famed for her sleek glossy locks and signature makeup look.

Sanna Marin







The ex-Finnish PM was known for her glam apperancw
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Getty Images for Victoria Beckham)







Sanna frequently posts photos on her social media of her day-to-day life
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sannamarin/Instagram)

The ex-Finnish Prime Minister doesn’t shy away when it comes to sharing glamorous snaps on her social media. From party dresses and crop tops to bikini photos, Sanna Maria has many people swooning over her online.

After becoming Finland’s youngest ever political leader at 34,Sanna oversaw the country’s response to Covid, as well as overseeing her country’s inclusion into NATO and nagivating the war on Ukraine – Finland’s neighbour – all while wearing oversized sunnies and stilleto heels.

Regularly posting on social media, fans once joked that the former poltician was enjoying a “hot girl summer” as she shared a photo of her rocking a pink tie-dye crop top, pleather miniskirt and chunky black heels.

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Emmanuel MacronJustin TrudeauVladimir Putin