Obama, aged 51 years, is followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, 58, "the backbone of the European Union, bearing on her shoulders the future of the euro", according to Forbes.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin is number 3, while Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Benedict XVI completed the top five positions.
„Barack Obama won the U.S. presidential elections decisively, and now has four years to implement his program. Although he has to face major challenges, he remains the leader of the free world ", according to Forbes.