Former Sports Stars Enter French Political Arena in 2026 Municipal Elections

A growing number of former athletes are transitioning from the playing field to the political arena, contesting municipal elections across France. With the first round of voting taking place on March 15th and 22nd, several well-known names are seeking to secure positions on local councils.

Sporting Icons Seek Local Office

The trend of athletes entering politics is gaining momentum, with at least twenty former sports professionals appearing on ballots throughout the southwest region of France. Many are focusing on initiatives related to sports development at the local level, leveraging their experience and public recognition.

Micoud and Blanco Lead the Charge

Among the most prominent candidates is Johan Micoud, the former Girondins de Bordeaux midfielder. Micoud is running alongside Philippe Dessertine on a citizen’s list in Bordeaux. I wasn’t very political in the past but I had in front of me someone who wanted to share his opinions, to transmit them to the city, whether at the social, educational and especially sporting level, Micoud explained, justifying his decision to join the campaign.

Serge Blanco, a legend of French rugby, is too vying for a mayoral position in Biarritz. Blanco is running independently and is opposing a proposed construction project on the site of the Biarritz Olympique rugby stadium, where he spent his entire career.

Controversy Surrounds Llodra’s Comments

Support for Thomas Cazenave, candidate of the center and the right for the Bordeaux municipal elections, the ex‐21^e world player, Michaël Llodra, sparked controversy during a debate devoted to sport on TV7.

“When they start, the young girls are a little shy. So we have to put them in a position of trust, that’s why they have to be supervised. Sometimes we have to teach them to surpass themselves. It’s not easy. A boy, typically: he loses, he’ll cry, but he’ll come back the following week with his friends. A girl often withdraws into herself, so you have to use a little more positive language (…) A young girl is a little more fearful, that’s normal. Tennis is an individual sport where, you have to uncover resources when you are in an individual sport to be able to perform. Sometimes it happens, in some cases, often girls, when they are very young, they prefer to withdraw. Boys have more hormones, have a little more virility. And that’s just it. I have nothing against girls, I have two!”

Michaël Llodra, via Twitter (@QuentinMoynet)

A Novel Chapter for Former Athletes

These elections mark a significant shift for these former athletes, who are now applying their discipline and competitive spirit to the challenges of local governance. Their involvement highlights a growing desire among sports figures to contribute to their communities beyond their athletic careers.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the 2026 French municipal elections and the role of athletes in politics.