It's an unexpected announcement in the race for the Élysée Palace. This Monday, Teddy Riner officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. At 37, the five-time Olympic judo champion has decided to enter the political arena with the ambition of uniting the French people beyond traditional divides. "I am running to say that we can revive France ," he declared. The judoka, who describes himself as "neither right nor left ," also unveiled his campaign slogan: "The France We Want . "
"I am running for office to show that France can be rebuilt."
Teddy Riner chose Monday to put an end to months of speculation about his political future. The Olympic champion confirmed his participation in the 2027 presidential election, stating his intention to transcend partisan divisions and unite voters around a common project.
The judoka intends to become the "president who unites ." To accompany this announcement, he is launching a campaign website today called "The France We Want ," designed to present his project and mobilize his future supporters.
Teddy Riner is also calling on French people who share his ambitions to join him. He is thus beginning to build a movement around his candidacy, without claiming affiliation with any traditional political party.
A presidential ambition that he had been displaying for several months
This announcement is the culmination of a long period of reflection. In September 2025, Teddy Riner had already explained that he was considering a political career, but that he did not want to settle for a ministerial post : "If I go into politics tomorrow, it's not to have a ministerial position, it's to have a role that makes a difference. For me, the best role would be president."
On September 16, when interviewed by Anne-Sophie Lapix on RTL, he maintained the suspense regarding a candidacy as early as 2027.
"It's not the right time, but I'm not closing any doors," he replied, before adding: "I would say we need to be patient."
Less than two months later, the champion decided to take the plunge by officially announcing his entry into the presidential race.
A candidate who had denounced the rise of the far right
Teddy Riner had also distinguished himself in recent months through his political stances. In September, during an interview with Stade 2 , he expressed his concern about the evolving situation in France : "What worries me is the direction the country is taking. It worries me, even me, a top-level athlete. It worries me to see the rise of extremism, it scares me."
When asked about the political movements he was targeting, the judoka clarified: "The far right. Let's call a spade a spade."
These statements provoked numerous reactions, particularly on CNews. Former judoka and Minister of Sports David Douillet also advised him to consider the impact of his public pronouncements.
By announcing his candidacy today, Teddy Riner is now fully embracing his political commitment, while claiming an independent position from traditional parties.
From five-time Olympic champion to candidate for the Élysée Palace
Born on April 7, 1989 in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, Teddy Riner has one of the most impressive track records in the history of French sport. A three-time individual Olympic champion, two-time mixed team Olympic champion, and eleven-time individual world champion, he dominated his discipline for nearly two decades.
His victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, in front of the French public, further boosted his popularity. The judoka won two more gold medals, in the individual and mixed team events.
Until now, Teddy Riner was preparing for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. He had notably extended his commitment with Paris Saint-Germain Judo until that date, with the objective of competing in another Olympiad.
His entry into the presidential race now significantly alters his schedule. The 2027 election campaign will coincide with the preparation period for the Los Angeles Games. The champion has not yet detailed the consequences of his candidacy on the continuation of his athletic career.
A program to be defined and 500 sponsorships to be gathered
With this candidacy, Teddy Riner enters a political competition where he will now have to present his proposals and convince voters of his ability to govern.
The new candidate has begun to unveil the main points of his platform, centered on uniting the French people and revitalizing the country. The details of his political organization, the composition of his team, and the specifics of his proposals still need to be clarified.
Like all candidates for the Élysée Palace, he will also have to gather the 500 nominations of elected officials required for his candidacy to be validated by the Constitutional Council.
At 37, Teddy Riner is embarking on a new competition, this time far from the tatami. After five Olympic titles, the judoka is now aiming for the presidency of the Republic, with his first objective being to officially appear on the ballot in the spring of 2027.
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