Teddy Riner announces 2027 presidential bid with zero political experience
The five-time Olympic judo champion says he will run to prevent a runoff between the far right and the far left, a move analysts view as a long shot against the polling leader.
By Neha Kapoor ·
Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner declared his candidacy for the French presidency on Monday, entering a race where he currently holds no elected office, no political party affiliation, and no detailed policy platform. The 37-year-old athlete announced his bid via a social media video, stating that he is running to prevent the country from falling into a deep division between the far right and the far left.
The announcement comes as incumbent President Emmanuel Macron prepares to step down, with polls currently showing far-right leader Marine Le Pen in first place and left-wing figure Jean-Luc Melenchon in second. Riner, a native of the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, positioned himself as a centrist alternative. He expressed concern that France is "collapsing under the weight of debt" and that state authority has weakened in the face of recent violent riots. "I fear that tomorrow we’ll be living in confrontation," he said in the announcement video.
Riner has no prior background in government or party politics. He acknowledged that critics would point to his lack of experience, saying, "I know what people are going to say about me: ‘He’s crazy. He’s not from the establishment. He doesn’t have the codes. He’s never done politics.'" He added that if refusing to bow his head made him crazy, then he was completely crazy. The campaign will be financed through personal funds and donations, with Riner planning to launch operations immediately.
The entry of a prominent sports figure into the race has drawn mixed reactions from political observers. Emmanuel Macron welcomed the bid, saying he was pleased that the "great champion" would join the debate and contribute his ideas. However, Dani Podgoretskaya, an analyst at Eurasia Group, noted that Riner addressed the right pain points but doubted he would become a serious contender. She pointed out that the French take the presidency seriously and that Riner lacks a party structure and a detailed program. "I doubt that Riner is that figure," Podgoretskaya said, referring to a potential unifying anti-populist leader.
Polling firm Odoxa offered a similar assessment through analyst Erwan Lestrohan, who said that Riner’s popularity as an athlete does not automatically translate into electoral support. Lestrohan noted that the candidate is starting from zero in terms of political credibility. "He’s starting from zero in terms of political credibility," Lestrohan said, observing that no candidate is currently generating broad enthusiasm among voters.
Riner stated in an interview with Le Parisien that he intends to continue his athletic career while campaigning. He said he planned to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if his presidential position allowed it. Riner has won gold medals in the heavyweight division at the 2012, 2016, and 2024 Games, plus mixed team gold in 2020 and 2024. He also holds 11 world titles and maintained a record of 154 consecutive wins between October 2010 and February 2020.
The election is scheduled for 2027, with a likely second-round runoff between Le Pen and Melenchon if no candidate secures a majority in the first round. Riner’s bid adds a third major option to a crowded field, aiming to capture voters who are hesitant to choose between the two current polling leaders. He will now begin a campaign to establish his political credibility before the voting date.
