Athletes Trade Sporting Arenas for Political Races in 2026 French Municipal Elections

As the 2026 French municipal elections approach, a growing number of athletes, both active and retired, are stepping into the political arena. The first round of voting is scheduled for March 15, with a potential runoff on March 22, and several prominent sports figures are vying for mayoral positions across France.

Rugby Legends and Football Stars Enter the Fray

Serge Blanco, a French rugby icon with 93 international caps, is running for mayor of Biarritz. His campaign focuses on opposing the construction of residential buildings on the Aguilera site, home to Biarritz Olympique, the team he once played for.^{Le Parisien}

In Bordeaux, former footballer Johan Micoud, who played for the Girondins between 1996 and 2000, is on the list of economist Philippe Dessertine. Micoud expressed a desire to become involved in politics to effect change, stating, “I don’t have a career plan but I know that if you really want to change things, you have to get involved in politics.”^{Le Parisien} He will face competition from Michaël Llodra, who is on the list of Renaissance deputy Thomas Cazenave.

Olympic Medalists Seek Local Office

Marie Martinod, a double Olympic medalist in freestyle skiing, is running for mayor of Aime-la-Plagne in Savoie. She aims to succeed Corinne Maironi-Gonthier, for whom she previously served as deputy for Sports and Communication.^{Le Parisien}

Sofiane Oumiha, a twice Olympic vice-champion boxer, is on the list of Jean-Luc Moudenc, the current mayor seeking re-election in Toulouse. Oumiha intends to “give back to (Toulouse) what she (him) brought,” having grown up in the Bagatelle district.^{Le Parisien}

Pierre Latour, a former cyclist and winner of a stage in the Vuelta in 2017, is running in Romans-sur-Isère (Drôme) on the list led by Marie-Hélène Thoraval. He hopes to support the community and athletes in the region.^{Le Parisien}

Other Athletes in the Running

Johan Gastien, an executive with Clermont Foot since 2018, is on the list of Sébastien Besnard, a non-partisan candidate for mayor of Sayat in Puy-de-Dôme. Gastien stated he is motivated by his love for the town where his children are growing up.^{Le Parisien}

Pierrick Capelle, a professional footballer currently playing for SCO Angers, is seeking re-election as a municipal councilor in Saint-Jean-de-Linières (Maine-et-Loire) on the list of Franck Poquin.^{Le Parisien}

Olivier Girault, an Olympic handball champion, is running in Vaires-sur-Marne (Seine-et-Marne) despite being under preliminary investigation for alleged misconduct during his time at the National School Sports Union (UNSS).^{Le Parisien}

Lionel Mpasi, goalkeeper for Le Havre, is on Sarah Vidal’s list in Rodez (Aveyron), while Quentin Bigot, a world medalist in hammer throwing, is running without a label in Gandrange-Boussange (Moselle). MMA fighter Taylor Lapilus is also engaged in Dammarie-les-Lys (Seine-et-Marne).^{Le Parisien}

David Gérard, a former second row for Toulouse and Racing 92, is one of the few athletes supporting the National Rally (RN), running in Toulon.^{Le Parisien}