Teddy Riner, five-time Olympic judo champion, declares candidacy for the 2027 presidential election

The 37-year-old judoka from Guadeloupe surprised the political class on Monday by entering the race for the Élysée. He announced his decision in a video posted on his social media accounts: my name is Teddy Riner and I am a candidate in the 2027 presidential election. According to polls, Marine Le Pen (RN) is currently ahead of Jean-Luc Mélenchon (LFI) and the other candidates.

Riner says he expects the criticism: "I know what they'll say about me: +He's crazy. He's not part of the establishment. He doesn't know the codes. He's never done politics+."

What Riner wants to change

He says his decision dates from after the Paris Olympics. He intends to keep competing and aim for the Los Angeles Games in 2028, "if the office allows it and if the French allow me to."

Reactions and doubts

Few rivals have spoken out. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe sees a "heavyweight candidate" and, asked whether he is worried, replies: "No, no, I admire him."

Erwan Lestrohan, of the Odoxa institute, considers the athlete very popular. He adds that purchasing power, international affairs and education weigh on voters' choices, topics on which Riner remains unknown to the public.

The judoka's circle says he feels capable of winning. His platform has reportedly been ready for several months, drawn up with experts. Among them, former Health Minister François Braun says he was won over by Riner's desire to bring people together. Businessman Philippe Véran, once close to Emmanuel Macron, heads the association financing the campaign.

A long-announced commitment

As early as September 2025, Riner confided that if he ever went into politics, the best role would be president. In September, he had been targeted with racist remarks after voicing his anxiety over the rise of the far right.

Close to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, he lived between Marrakech and Paris, and his lifestyle has drawn criticism.