Updated

French judo champion Teddy Riner announced on Monday, 9 November 2026, that he will run in the 2027 French presidential election. In a two-minute video on social media, the 37-year-old said he was a candidate and cited concern about the rise of the far right, France 24 reported. Riner, one of the greatest judokas in history and a multiple Olympic champion, said he feared for the country's direction in a surprise announcement made by video. The available excerpts gave no details of his platform, party affiliation or campaign plans, and no formal campaign structure has been reported.