Naima Acosta, representing Switzerland at the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant, embodies a unique blend of cultures. At 20 years old, she stands out among the contestants, affectionately dubbed “the other Mexican” due to her bicultural heritage: a Swiss mother and a Mexican father. This background provides her with a distinctive edge in the international competition.
The highly anticipated Miss Universe event is scheduled for Friday, November 21, and will take place at the Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand. The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær of Denmark, is set to crown her successor at the ceremony. Acosta’s journey to this global stage highlights a narrative of identity and adaptation.
Born in Giubiasco, a charming municipality in Switzerland’s southern Ticino canton, Acosta spent her formative years navigating two distinct worlds. Her Swiss mother and Mexican father instilled in her a rich blend of traditions, language, and personality. This early exposure to different cultures proved crucial in shaping her worldview.
Her fluency in Spanish, inherited from her father, was significantly cemented during her childhood. Acosta moved to Mexico at age 9 and resided there until she was 14. This period deeply influenced her character, solidifying her connection to her Mexican roots and earning her the nickname “the other Mexican” alongside Mexico’s official representative, Fátima Bosch.
During her time in Mexico, Acosta discovered several passions that continue to be central to her life. She actively engaged in martial arts and gymnastics. She also developed a natural talent for art, exploring mediums like watercolor, oil, and acrylic. These artistic pursuits remain important avenues for self-expression and well-being.
Her return to Switzerland after six years in Mexico was prompted by her parents’ divorce. This abrupt transition required her to re-adapt to her home country. She continued her education and later worked in the commercial sector, where she honed discipline, professionalism, and valuable skills that now serve her well in the modeling industry.
Acosta’s multicultural background, her command of multiple languages, and her approachable personality made her an ideal candidate for beauty pageants. These attributes paved her way to becoming Miss Switzerland, setting her apart in the competitive world of international beauty contests. Her ability to connect effortlessly with Latina representatives during pre-pageant activities has been particularly noted.
In an interview with Telemundo, Acosta proudly articulated her bilingualism, stating, “I speak Spanish because my dad is Mexican. I lived in Mexico between 9 and 14 years old, and that’s where I learned Spanish; well, I knew it since I was born.” This statement underscores her deep embrace of an identity that bridges both sides of the Atlantic.
Naima Acosta arrives at Miss Universe not merely as Miss Switzerland, but as a symbolic link between Europe and Latin America. Her unique story and bicultural identity position her as a strong and compelling contender. Should she win the crown, it would undoubtedly be remembered as one of the pageant’s most significant and widely discussed victories.