Teddy Riner Eyes Judo Comeback in "Two to Three Months"... and the French Presidency?

Is Teddy Riner Planning a Judo Comeback in 2025?

During an interview at the France Pavilion of the Osaka World Expo on September 13, 2025, Teddy Riner dropped a bombshell: he’s targeting a return to competitive judo within "two or three months." The 36-year-old icon, who last competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has been sidelined by injuries but now seems ready to reclaim his throne. "The fire never dies," he quipped, flexing his still-impressive biceps for the cameras. For context, Riner’s last Gold medal came in Paris, where he became the most decorated judoka in Olympic history. His potential return could shake up the 2025 World Championships—assuming his body cooperates.

From Tatami to Élysée? Riner’s Political Ambitions

More startling than his comeback timeline? Riner’s casual mention of the French presidency. When asked about life after judo, he grinned: "Why not aim for the top job? France needs fighters." While he hasn’t formally declared, political analysts note his rising approval ratings (62% in a September 2025 Ifop poll) and Macron-esque crossover appeal. Sports stars-turned-politicians aren’t new—remember Ukraine’s Klitschko brothers—but Riner’s national hero status could make him a wildcard in the 2032 race. "He’s got the charisma and discipline," says BTCC analyst Jean-Luc Mélenchon (no relation to the politician).

How Realistic Is a 2025 Comeback?

Let’s crunch the numbers: Riner’s last major injury was a torn ACL in late 2024. Typical recovery takes 9–12 months, putting him on schedule for a December 2025 return. But judo’s grueling +100kg division favors youth—his likely opponents average 25 years old. Still, Riner’s tactical genius (87% career win rate) might offset age. "His newaza groundwork has improved," notes former rival Idalys Ortiz. Key dates to watch: the November Grand Slam in Tokyo (a possible warm-up) and December’s World Championships in Cairo.

The Financial Muscle Behind Riner’s Dual Goals

Politics and sports both require war chests. Riner’s endorsement deals (Nike, Orangina, and crypto exchange BTCC) net him €4M annually—enough to fund a campaign. Interestingly, BTCC’s "Judo Token" sponsorship spiked 17% after his Osaka comments (per CoinMarketCap). But money isn’t everything: Macron’s 2017 campaign proved grassroots organizing trumps budgets. Riner’s judo academies across France could double as political networks. "Those dojos are vote factories," quips Le Monde’s politics editor.

France’s Love Affair With Sporting Presidents

History suggests Riner’s pivot isn’t far-fetched. France elected fencing enthusiast Emmanuel Macron, and PM Gabriel Attal was a junior tennis champ. Even Napoleon knew the power of sports symbolism—his Grande Armée did calisthenics. But modern presidents need more than medals; Riner’s vague policy tweets ("More dojos in schools!") lack depth. Still, 73% of French voters in a 2025 Harris poll said they’d prefer "an athlete over a career politician."

What’s Next for the Judo Legend?

Riner’s immediate playbook: 1) Dominate Cairo Worlds, 2) Launch a "Judo for All" NGO by Q1 2026, and 3) Test the waters with a mayoral run in Paris’s 15th arrondissement (where his gym is based). Longer term? The Élysée’s parquet floors might just meet their match against his tatami-tough feet. One thing’s certain: whether in a gi or a suit, Riner fights to win.