Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner has officially re-signed with the Paris Saint-Germain judo section through 2028, committing to an extended career path that culminates with the Los Angeles Olympic Games, according to announcements made by the club and the athlete on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Return to Paris Saint-Germain and the 2028 Horizon
The 37-year-old heavyweight icon returns to the French capital club where he originally started his career before rejoining during the renaissance of the PSG judo section in 2017. According to club statements, the new agreement binds Riner through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking what the athlete has designated as the ultimate chapter of his storied competitive career. His most recent appearance in club colors occurred during the 2024 edition of the Judo Champions League.
“The Paris Saint-Germain is proud to announce the return of Teddy Riner,” the club stated in an official release, emphasizing a shared ambition to tackle new competitive challenges. Riner expressed similar enthusiasm for the multi-year deal. “I am very happy and honored to find Paris Saint-Germain and to write yet another page of my adventure here,” Riner noted in comments distributed by the club. “I have the chance to evolve in ideal conditions to continue to nourish my ambition and pursue my quest for titles for the years to come.”
Shoulder Injury Management and Revised Competition Schedule
Despite the long-term contract extension, Riner remains sidelined due to an ongoing shoulder injury—specifically a fissure in the joint—that forced his withdrawal from the upcoming World Judo Championships scheduled for the following month in Azerbaijan. Though currently away from the tatamis for nearly two years since his last major outings, Riner stated that he is confident the medical issue will be resolved.
“I am on my last two, three good years of judo,” Riner told reporters during a press briefing. “At some point, you also have to know what the priorities are. My priority remains the 2028 Olympic Games. So, one thing at a time. When the body is recovered from all physical ailments, then we can project and start establishing a planning.” Riner indicated that he is targeting June or July 2027 as his competitive restart window, choosing to exercise strict patience before resuming full training loads.
Qualification Pathway for Los Angeles 2028
Unlike his preparations for the home Games in Paris, Riner faces a different logistical reality ahead of Los Angeles. At nearly 40 years of age, the French champion will need to navigate international qualification quotas rather than receiving automatic entry, altering his traditional buildup. Riner outlined a selective tournament strategy rather than a relentless pursuit of the world number-one ranking.
“I have in mind that it will be necessary to climb onto a few competitions to qualify me, to place myself not too badly in the table,” Riner explained. “Arriving at the Olympics number one in the world is not my objective. Arriving in the top 10 is my objective. I think with 4 or 5 big competitions, maximum 6, we are good. I don’t know yet if I will do the 2027 Worlds. I might do quite a few tournaments.”
Next Steps and Outlook
With his club future secured through 2028, Riner’s immediate focus turns to rehabilitation and physical recovery under the oversight of Paris Saint-Germain’s medical and coaching staff. Further updates regarding his rehabilitation timeline and prospective entry lists for 2027 tournaments are expected from the club as his shoulder heals.
