The final whistle has blown on the 2026 French municipal elections, and a number of prominent figures from the world of sports found themselves on the ballot. While some celebrated victory, others faced disappointment. Here’s a look at the contrasting fortunes of athletes and sports administrators who entered the political arena.
Blanco Wins in Basque Country
In Biarritz, Serge Blanco has proven he still has the winning formula. The former France rugby international secured the mayoral seat with 41.92% of the vote in a three-way contest. He defeated incumbent Maïder Arosteguy, who received 32.21% of the vote, and Ana Ezcurra, who led a union list of left-wing parties and a centrist candidate, garnering 25.87%. The election marks a significant shift in leadership for the coastal city.
“The people of Biarritz wanted change,” Blanco declared, adding, “They want someone who speaks to them with heart and respects them. There’s a human side to this that needs to allow everyone to find common ground.”
Disappointment for Aulas in Lyon
Lyon witnessed a frustrating outcome for Jean-Michel Aulas. The former president of Olympique Lyonnais football club, who enjoyed the support of numerous former OL players, including Karim Benzema, narrowly lost to incumbent ecologist Grégory Doucet. Doucet secured 50.67% of the vote compared to Aulas’ 49.33%, a margin of 2,762 votes out of over 206,000 cast. Aulas has initiated a legal challenge, contesting the results, but has stated his intention to serve on the municipal council and metropolitan area council regardless of the outcome. “The processes are underway,” he announced.
Cyclist Latour Joins Municipal Council
Pierre Latour, a recently retired professional cyclist, has transitioned into local politics, being elected as a municipal councilor in Romans-sur-Isère (Drôme). He was positioned sixth on the list of outgoing mayor Marie-Hélène Thoraval (center-right), who won a third term with 51.01% of the vote, securing victory by a narrow margin of just 257 votes.
Mixed Results for Other Sporting Figures
Marie Martinod, a double Olympic silver medalist in freestyle skiing (2014 and 2018), faced disappointment in Aime-la-Plagne (Savoie), failing to secure a mayoral position. She received 42.32% of the vote, falling short against David Aubonnet’s 57.68%. Martinod will, however, serve as a council member.
In Bordeaux, former tennis player Michaël Llodra participated in the victory of ex-minister Thomas Cazenave (Renaissance), who surprisingly won 50.95% of the vote against the incumbent ecologist Pierre Hurmic. However, Llodra, listed last on the winning ticket, is unlikely to secure a seat on the council.
Cazenave’s win was reportedly aided by the unexpected withdrawal of economist Philippe Dessertine after the first round, a candidate supported by former international footballer Johan Micoud.
David Gérard, a former rugby international, will take a seat on the council in Toulon, despite the defeat of National Rally (RN) candidate Laure Lavalette to incumbent Josée Massi (52.35% to 47.65%). Gérard was second on Lavalette’s list.
Mohed Altrad, a prominent industrialist, president of the Montpellier rugby club, and major sponsor of the French national rugby team, failed in his bid for the mayoralty of Montpellier, finishing third in a three-way race won by incumbent Michaël Delafosse.
In Toulouse, incumbent Jean-Luc Moudenc (DVD) secured re-election with the support of numerous rugby icons from the city’s club, defeating François Piquemal (LFI).
Johan Gastien, a key player for Clermont Foot, was elected to the municipal council of Sayat (Puy-de-Dôme) in the first round. Similarly, Pierrick Capelle, a footballer with SCO Angers, was re-elected as a municipal councilor in Saint-Jean-de-Linières (Maine-et-Loire) on Sunday.
Quentin Bigot, a former hammer thrower and 2019 world championship silver medalist, was elected without surprise in Gandrange (Moselle), leading the sole list contesting the election.
Olivier Girault, Olympic handball champion in 2008, did not advance past the first round in Vaires-sur-Marne (Seine-et-Marne), despite facing scrutiny due to an ongoing preliminary investigation concerning alleged favoritism, abuse of trust, and harassment related to his time leading the national school sports union (UNSS).
These municipal elections demonstrate a growing trend of sports personalities entering the political arena in France, seeking to leverage their public profiles and leadership experience to serve their communities. The results, however, are far from guaranteed, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from the sporting world to the complexities of local governance.
The next step for many of these newly elected officials will be to begin their terms on the municipal councils, working to implement their platforms and address the needs of their constituents. The coming months will reveal how effectively these former athletes and sports administrators can translate their skills and experience into the realm of local politics.
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