Related videos:
The Cuban Giselle Rosales won the title of Miss Ecuador 2025 in August, and her case has sparked mixed opinions in the South American country.
The Cuban, who arrived in Ecuador at the age of 7, received Ecuadorian citizenship by presidential decree on September 17 and will be able to represent the country in the Miss International 2026 competition, local media reported.
This 21-year-old, the newly crowned Miss Ecuador 2025, Gisselle Rosales, who was crowned on the night of August 16, has lived in the city of San Antonio de Machala since she was 7, having emigrated from Cuba with her uncles and mother.
The Cuban, according to a review by the local outlet Primicias, participated in beauty contests from a young age.
As a teenager, she won Fashion Weekend Ecuador and began a career in modeling, runway shows, and beauty pageants.
The Cuban woman, 1.69 meters tall with green eyes, was crowned in 2022 in the contest to choose the Queen of Machala
Rosales has studies in Psychology and Education, and after the decision made by Daniel Noboa, she will represent Ecuador in the Miss International pageant in Tokyo.
"At no point in my life have I said that I was born in Ecuador. Because it’s not true, and why lie? ... I have lived here since I was 7 years old, and I am currently 21," Rosales stated to another Ecuadorian media outlet in relation to the controversy that has always accompanied his success.
Rosales has confessed that he came to Ecuador like many Cubans, seeking "a better life, a better job, because it is no secret to anyone the difficulties faced in certain countries."
Frequently Asked Questions about Giselle Rosales and Miss Ecuador 2025
Who is Giselle Rosales, the current Miss Ecuador 2025?
Giselle Rosales is a young Cuban who was crowned Miss Ecuador 2025. She arrived in Ecuador at the age of seven and recently obtained Ecuadorian citizenship. At 21 years old, Rosales will represent Ecuador in the Miss International 2026 pageant.
Why has Giselle Rosales's selection as Miss Ecuador sparked controversy?
The choice of Giselle Rosales has generated mixed opinions because she is of Cuban origin and was crowned Miss Ecuador before obtaining Ecuadorian citizenship. However, she has lived in Ecuador since childhood and has participated in numerous beauty contests in the country.
What studies and background does Giselle Rosales have?
Giselle Rosales has studied Psychology and Education. From a young age, she has participated in beauty and modeling contests in Ecuador. She won the Fashion Weekend Ecuador and has excelled in other beauty pageants.
What has Giselle Rosales declared about her identity and nationality?
Giselle Rosales has been clear about her identity, stating: "At no point in my life have I said that I was born in Ecuador." She acknowledges her Cuban roots, but she also feels a connection to Ecuador, where she has lived for most of her life.
Filed under: