"I saw a picture of Teddy Riner in a suit": how Ibrahima Konaté discovered the judoka's presidential candidacy

France defender Konaté joked he only saw Riner in a suit, then defended athletes' right to engage in politics like any other citizen.

Ibrahima Konaté was asked about judoka Teddy Riner's announcement that he is running for the French presidency in 2027. The Real Madrid defender initially deflected with humour, saying he had only seen a photo of Riner in a suit and hadn't followed the story closely.

When pressed, Konaté acknowledged the broader debate around athletes' political engagement. He argued that sportspeople, like all citizens, have a voice and the right to express it, though he noted footballers operate in a privileged bubble.

He emphasised that athletes should remember their success came through work and luck, and that they should use their platform responsibly by understanding the issues they discuss rather than speaking carelessly.