French judoka Teddy Riner announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, pledging to be a "president who unites people." President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the surprise candidacy, expressing his satisfaction with the decision of the "great champion" to "contribute his convictions, his ideas and his talent."

First modification: 10/11/2026 - 01:49Last modification: 10/11/2026 - 01:51

The five-time French Olympic judo champion, Teddy Riner, announced this Monday, November 9, that he will run in next year's presidential elections, after expressing his concern about the "rise of the extreme right."

"My name is Teddy Riner and today, face to face, I tell you that I am a candidate in the 2027 presidential election," the 37-year-old said in a surprise announcement on social media.

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Riner, one of the best judokas in history, stated in the two-minute and 37-second video that he fears that France could become deeply divided, apparently presenting himself as a candidate for voters who are not willing to choose between two political extremes: the extreme right and the radical left.

Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is leading in polls to succeed centrist President Emmanuel Macron next year, with radical leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon in second place.

"Today we live together," said Riner, originally from the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe. "I'm afraid that tomorrow we will live in conflict."

The rise of the extreme right

Riner, one of France's best-known sports figures, has publicly stated that he is very concerned about the "rise of the far right."

Le Pen has benefited from one of the most fragmented political landscapes in modern French history, with a large group of candidates vying for support.

Infighting among centrists has increased the likelihood of a second round between Le Pen and Mélenchon.

Riner expressed concern about a France that is "collapsing under the weight of debt" and said he was concerned to see "a father or mother gritting their teeth while filling a shopping cart."

He regretted that "state authority has disappeared" in the presence of "thugs."

Riner, who is black, also criticized excessive bureaucracy and a system in which, he said, "a young person's future can be destroyed simply because they don't have the right network, the right name or the right skin color."

"I will not be among those who watch the country burn while making excuses," he added, sitting in front of a bookshelf, dressed in a white shirt and a dark jacket.

"Fighting has always been part of my essence. I know what it means to fight, fall and always get up."

No political experience

He acknowledged that some people would reject his candidacy. "I know what people are going to say about me: 'He's crazy. He doesn't belong in the system. He doesn't know the rules. He's never been involved in politics,'" he added.

"If refusing to bow my head and reject chaos makes me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy."

Macron welcomed Riner's surprise candidacy, saying he was pleased that the "great champion" had decided to "join this presidential debate and contribute his convictions, his ideas and his talent; this can only benefit the country."

Dani Podgoretskaya, an analyst at Eurasia Group, said Riner addressed "the right weaknesses" but that she did not consider him a serious contender.

"The French take presidential elections very seriously, given the great power that comes with the position. He has no experience in elected office, no party, no detailed program yet," he said.

"While I still believe it is possible that a providential figure will emerge to unite the anti-populist vote, I doubt that Riner is that figure."

Bid for the 2028 Olympic Games

Erwan Lestrohan of the polling firm Odoxa said that while neither candidate generated widespread enthusiasm among French voters, Riner's popularity would not necessarily translate into electoral support. "He's starting from zero in terms of political credibility," Lestrohan said.

In an interview with Le Parisien, Riner stated that he intended to continue his sporting career.

If elected president, he said he plans to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, "if the position allows me and if the French people allow me."

Riner said he intended to launch his campaign quickly, with funding coming from both donations and his own funds.

Riner won the heavyweight class at the 2012, 2016 and 2024 Olympic Games; and the mixed team gold medal at the 2020 and 2024 Games. He has also won 11 world titles.

Article adapted from its original in English.

With AP and AFP

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