France’s Olympic champion seeks political independence ahead of the 2027 election.
PARIS, France. French judo champion Teddy Riner has firmly rejected suggestions that he represents President Emmanuel Macron’s political interests, describing the president’s public congratulations on his presidential candidacy as a “poisoned kiss.”
Speaking during a visit to the Made in France exhibition in Paris on November 14, 2026, the five-time Olympic gold medalist emphasized that his campaign was independent of established political affiliations.
Riner, 37, announced his candidacy for the April 2027 presidential election earlier in the week, introducing himself as a political newcomer seeking to engage directly with citizens before developing his policy proposals.
Macron welcomed the announcement, expressing satisfaction that the internationally recognized athlete had decided to participate in the presidential debate.
However, Riner rejected interpretations of those remarks as an endorsement or evidence of political coordination.
He stated that he was not a Macron supporter and denied acting on behalf of the French president.
His position reflects an attempt to distinguish his political identity from the administration’s record while maintaining a message that does not fit neatly within traditional party divisions.
The former world judo champion has presented his candidacy as neither exclusively right-wing nor left-wing, emphasizing employment, opportunity and the everyday concerns of French citizens.
His first campaign appearance took place at a hospital in Saint-Denis on November 13, where he met healthcare workers and discussed conditions affecting public services.
Nevertheless, his entry into politics has also brought renewed scrutiny of his business activities.
French sports newspaper L’Équipe reported tax disputes involving companies associated with Riner, including a claim exceeding €244,000 against a real estate business. Responding to questions about his finances, Riner maintained that he had always paid his taxes.
Public opinion presents a more complex picture.
A survey conducted by Odoxa for RTL and Winamax found that approximately 78% of respondents held a favorable opinion of the athlete, although that figure represented an 11-point decline compared with a previous survey in May 2023.
The same poll indicated that 61% viewed his presidential candidacy negatively, illustrating the distinction between public appreciation of a sporting figure and attitudes toward that person’s entry into politics.
Riner has also expressed an ambition to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games, raising questions about how he would reconcile elite athletic commitments with potential presidential responsibilities.
His candidacy enters an already crowded political contest. As of November 15, dozens of individuals had declared their intention to run, although formal participation requires at least 500 endorsements from eligible elected officials.
The first round is scheduled for April 18, 2027.
Riner’s transition from international sports to national politics illustrates the challenges confronting prominent public figures who seek to convert personal recognition into an independent political platform.
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