Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner runs for French president

France's political landscape took an unexpected turn as Teddy Riner, 37, one of the greatest judoka in history and holder of five Olympic gold medals, announced he will run for president in the spring 2027 elections. Riner, among France's most recognizable and beloved athletes, is seeking to convert his success in the sports arena into political power.

Riner declared his candidacy in a video posted on social media, alongside an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien. "My name is Teddy Riner, and today I tell you, looking you straight in the eyes: I am a candidate for president of the Republic in 2027," he stated. According to him, the idea crystallized after the 2024 Paris Olympics, when he witnessed the unity that formed around the French team dissolve with the return of political battles.

Riner presents himself as a candidate who belongs neither to the right nor the left, seeking to address the polarization in the country. Among the issues he raised: the national debt, the cost of living, crime, bureaucracy and lack of opportunities for young people. "I want to be the president who reconciles and unites," he said.

The polls: limited support

Despite Riner's considerable popularity, polls published previously present a complex picture. In a Harris Interactive survey from June 2025, conducted for the newspaper L'Opinion, 18% of respondents said they could consider voting for him: 5% answered they definitely could do so and another 13% did not rule out the possibility.

However, in a Verian Institute poll from December 2025, which examined voting intentions in a scenario with Riner running, he received only 3%. As of now, no new poll has been found that tested support for him following the official announcement, but one is expected to be published in the coming days.

On economic matters, Riner supports reducing public spending, easing regulations for businesses and narrowing the gap between gross and net wages. He also seeks to allow workers who wish to increase their income through additional work, and to re-examine the framework of the particularly short 35-hour work week.

On pensions, he supports preserving the model based on intergenerational distribution, alongside examining the integration of personal savings. In the social sphere, he emphasizes the fight against racism and the need to give young people equal opportunities.

Riner will need to obtain 500 signatures from elected officials to be officially included on the list of candidates. According to him, he is already forming a team that includes about twenty people, among them professionals and former ministers. Several elected officials from the French Caribbean islands have expressed willingness to support him.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed his entry into the political arena. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe chose to jab gently and referred to him with humor as a "heavyweight candidate." On the other hand, former Sports Minister David Douillet warned of the difficulties and criticism awaiting anyone entering the presidential race.

Details from his business past may also come up in the campaign: according to a report in Le Monde, an administrative appeals court ruled in favor of the tax authorities in a dispute concerning luxury vehicle expenses amounting to approximately 289,000 euros. In addition, his ties with Morocco's King Mohammed VI and his business dealings in Marrakesh may raise questions during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, Riner does not intend to give up judo: he aims to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as well. When asked if he could combine running for president with his sports career, he replied: "If the position allows me to do so and if the French people permit me."