A form of political co-optation had dissuaded Lilian Thuram from accepting a ministerial post in 2008. The former international has therefore already measured, for himself, the distance between fame and political commitment.
The decision surprises more than one person. Lilian Thuram says he shares this reaction to the judoka's entry into the campaign.
The five-time Olympic judo champion entered the race for the Élysée on November 9. He announced, that day, his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, according to franceinfo.
What makes the former international doubt is above all the judoka's lack of experience in politics; he is an 11-time world champion.
He links this observation to what the very highest level teaches. According to him, Teddy Riner knows what performances of that order require.
The remark does not contest his status as a champion. It contrasts sporting experience, which Lilian Thuram acknowledges, with the lack of experience as soon as politics is at issue.
Lilian Thuram describes Teddy Riner as a friend and an incredible champion. The reservation expressed on RFI concerns the candidacy, in the terms of the interview.
The remarks made on November 15 go no further than this reservation. Lilian Thuram notes the candidacy, recalls the long timeframe of the highest level and points to Teddy Riner's lack of political experience.