Sports legends whose political fortunes may be a lesson to Riner ahead of presidential bid

French judoka Teddy Riner’s announcement that he will stand in next year’s presidential election has prompted comparisons with sports stars who entered politics. Their varied records show how sporting fame can open doors to public life, but does not guarantee political success.

Former Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan became prime minister in 2018, but was ousted in 2022 and has been imprisoned since 2023 while facing numerous charges, which he says are politically motivated. Liberian footballer George Weah won the presidency in 2017 but lost his re-election bid to Joseph Boakai in 2023. Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao served in the House of Representatives and Senate, then finished third in the 2022 presidential election; critics had questioned his parliamentary attendance and legislative record.