Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced on Monday that he will run in France's 2027 presidential election, positioning himself as an alternative to far-right leader Marine Le Pen and left-wing Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

The 37-year-old athlete declared his candidacy in a video posted to social media that has since accumulated more than 25 million views. Many viewers initially believed the announcement was fake news, but Riner confirmed to media outlets that he was serious.

Riner, an 11-time world champion who stands 2.04 meters tall, has offered few policy details, instead using slogans such as "Giving up is not an option" and declaring himself "neither left nor right." He said he wants to "unite the French" and cited social divisions, rising living costs, national debt and a lack of security as his motivations.

A poll conducted on November 9 and 10 found that 22 percent of respondents would vote for Riner, while 70 percent hold a favorable opinion of him. The survey, conducted online among 1,003 people, has a margin of error between 1.4 and 3.1 points.

Born in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and raised in Paris, Riner has ranked among France's ten most popular public figures for years. He won three individual Olympic gold medals in the +100 kg category in 2012, 2016 and 2024, plus two team titles in 2020 and 2024. He went undefeated in competition for a decade between 2010 and 2020.

The announcement has drawn attention to Riner's past legal troubles. He was convicted of tax evasion related to his luxury car rental business, which operated Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. He has also faced suspicion of lobbying for Morocco, where he has held a residence permit since 2024 and reportedly maintains his private life and training base.

Riner acknowledged the skepticism he faces. "I know what people will say: 'He is crazy', 'he doesn't belong to the establishment', 'he never did politics'," he said. "If opposition to chaos makes me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy."

President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the candidacy. "I am very happy that someone like Teddy Riner, who is a great champion, decides to engage in this presidential campaign and bring his views, ideas and talent," he said. "It can only bring benefits to France."

The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for April 18, 2027. Riner, who is currently training for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has said he does not plan to end his sporting career if he succeeds politically.