Sexiest Latin Men of 2006

Here’s another one of those stories a celeb mag is obligated to churn out every year or so. Not surprisingly, some of these guys proved to be even bigger horndogs than I suspected at the time.

Estylo’s Perfect Dozen
Our Sexiest Latin Men
by Linda F. Cauthen

Antonio Banderas - Sexiest Movie Star
It take more than acting ability to shine on the silver screen—it takes star quality. Antonio has it in spades. His smoldering good looks coupled with his ability to tackle a variety of roles have made him one of the most sought-after leading men of his generation. Wed for ten years to actress Melanie Griffith, the 45-year-old Banderas just gets better with age. We can always hope for yet another Zorro film just because he looks so hot in the costume.

Gael García Bernal - Sexiest Indie Actor
At fourteen he starred in a soap opera called El Abuelo y yo and he was the first Mexican to be accepted at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. His big break came when he co-starred with buddy Diego Luna in the 2001 film Y tu mamá también, and he’s so gorgeous he even looked good in drag in Pedro Almodóvar’s La Mala Educación. The 27-year-old dated film beauty Natalie Portman for over a year but is currently enjoying his single status.

Ricky Martin - Sexiest All-Around Entertainer
Ricky’s been living la vida loca since his teens in the group Menudo, and we’ve loved watching him do it. He exudes confidence onstage and off, drawing us in with his infectious exuberance. But he has other passions besides music; the 34-year-old Puerto Rican singer has worked tirelessly to fight human trafficking in Colombia and Thailand. Ricky’s stated “Sensuality is something that you're born with” and he was certainly born with more than his share. Ricky’s one entertainer who’ll be shaking his bon-bon for years to come.

Benjamin Bratt - Sexiest Chameleon
Whether he’s playing a tortured poet, a hard-bitten police officer or an upright military man, Benjamin Bratt does it with style. This versatile actor can set female hearts racing in any role he plays but lately his favorite roles seems to be husband to his beautiful (and very lucky) wife Talisa Soto and dad to their two kids. This 42-year-old just gets better with age and experience. If we had a crystal ball, we’d be looking for an Oscar in Bratt’s future.

Enrique Iglesias - Sexiest Singing Scion
It can’t be easy to follow in the footsteps of a legend but Enrique has what it takes. When your family tradition includes, talent, looks, sex appeal and international superstardom, you have a lot to live up to—but killer genes to help you do it. 31-year-old Enrique’s been making women swoon since his 1999 debut single "Bailamos" and is currently draped all over magazine ads as the image of the fragrance True Star Men by Tommy Hilfiger. We bet Anna Kournikkova thinks he smells just great.

Juanes - Sexiest Rocker
What woman could resist a guy with bad boy looks but without the bad boy attitude? Juanes is so talented that he doesn’t need to do anything except write, sing, and play his own songs in his own language. Since his solo debut Fijate Bien was released in 2000, Juanes has been racking up an impressive string of hit records and awards. The 33-year-old singer can put across a rocker just as effortlessly as a ballad and looking devilishly sexy while doing it.

Cristián de la Fuente - Sexiest Hot Hunk
Since getting his big break on the 1998 Mexico-based TV series Reyes y Rey, this 32-year-old, 6’ 2” stunner has lent his talent and killer looks to major films like Driven and Basic, a string of indies and a memorable role in the TV series Family Law where he charmed lusty older woman Dixie Carter. This vet of the Chilean Airforce has been married to the gorgeous Angelica Castro for four years but he can fly over our air space anytime.

Andy Garcia - Sexiest Family Man
It’s truly refreshing to see a real family man like Andy Garcia, married 24 years and father of four. The 50-year-old Garcia’s family was forced to flee Cuba when he was a child and he has shown his love for his homeland in projects like the 2000 TV movie For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story and his directorial debut this year, The Lost City. What could be more desirable than a man with a passion for both his family and his work?

Antonio Villaraigosa - Sexiest Elected Official
Let’s face it—power is sexy. There’s something magnetic about a man who can control the fate of a conglomerate or a city. The first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since 1872 has it. The Boyle Heights bad boy who led student protests and fell in with gangs turned his life around and at 53 is now one of the most powerful Latinos in the country. As telegenic as a movie star, this hot mayor makes watching the local news much more interesting.

Helio Castroneves - Sexiest Speed Demon
This dashing driver can rev our motors any time. The 30-year-old two time Indy winner is the most colorful personality in racing today. When he’s not driving around the track at 100 mph or climbing a fence to celebrate his win, you can find the handsome and charming Castroneves windsurfing or jet skiing on a sunny Brazilian beach, no doubt surrounded by beautiful bikini-clad ladies. What red-blooded female could turn down a midnight drive in his Ferrari 360 Spider?

George Lopez - Sexiest Funny Man
My grandma always told me “Marry the man who makes you laugh, not the one who makes you cry.” The 45-year-old Lopez’ broad smile and great comic timing make you just want to reach through the TV screen and give him a big hug. His autobiography, Why You Crying showed a tender side that makes him even more lovable. Constance Marie has to be the luckiest woman on television because she gets paid to cuddle up to him every week.

Diego Luna - Sexiest Cutie
Who didn’t fall madly in love with Diego Luna when they saw him in the 2001 film Y tu mamá también? Is he not just too darn cute to be true? But there’s more to this 26-year-old actor than just good looks. He’s been acting in TV, movies, and theater since he was a child in Mexico and is constantly looking for new challenges. He showed us he could dance in Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing but is still seeking a dance partner of his own.