French Olympic judoka Teddy Riner announces 2027 presidential bid

Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election on November 9, 2026. The 37-year-old athlete from Guadeloupe shared his intention via a video posted on social media, in which he is seen wearing a white shirt and a dark jacket while addressing the public directly about his willingness to fight for the country's future.

Riner stated that he understands the challenges of perseverance, noting that the struggle has always been part of his identity. His entry into the race follows recent polling data that shows a high degree of political polarization in France, with National Rally leader Marine Le Pen holding a clear lead and Jean-Luc Mélenchon emerging as a potential opponent in a prospective runoff. The current political climate is marked by a notable weakening of the traditional center, providing a challenging environment for a non-traditional candidate like the famous judoka.

While the French political landscape currently sees established figures like Le Pen and Mélenchon leading in public opinion polls, Riner’s announcement introduces a new variable to the upcoming election cycle. No specific campaign platform or party affiliation has been detailed by the athlete beyond his inaugural announcement.