Zinédine Zidane offered a brief response on Wednesday regarding the potential 2027 presidential candidacy of five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner.
Speaking from the press room at San Siro in Milan, the former France captain declined to engage in political commentary, limiting his remarks to a brief wish of success for the athlete.
The comment lasted thirteen seconds, including a noticeable pause. “I don’t have to comment on that,” Zidane said during the media availability ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League match against Italy. “He did it, and I just wish him good luck in what he wants to undertake. That’s the only thing I can say.”
Zidane’s minimalist approach stood in stark contrast to the response provided earlier that day by France rugby head coach Fabien Galthié. Speaking at the national rugby center in Marcoussis, Galthié offered a lengthy, detailed reaction to the prospect of Riner seeking the French presidency.
He praised the judoka’s “courage” while using the opportunity to share his personal reflections as a French citizen on the current state of the nation.
While Galthié discussed how the topic affects other areas, Zidane maintained his long-standing policy of avoiding subjects outside of football. The 1998 World Cup winner has historically remained guarded on current events, a stance he has maintained since transitioning into his role as a coach. Even during his time waiting for a potential position with the national football team, he avoided public ventures into political or social debate.
The former midfielder’s reluctance to speak on non-footballing matters is well-documented. While he has occasionally used his platform for specific personal causes—such as expressing support for firefighters during the Gironde wildfires or backing the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes, who has been imprisoned in Algeria—he generally avoids the spotlight on public affairs.
This approach mirrors that of his predecessor, Didier Deschamps, who typically provided conventional, guarded responses when pressed on non-sporting topics. For observers and the French public, Zidane’s latest comments show a consistent commitment to his personal boundaries regarding public discourse. As the French national team prepares for its fixture against Italy on Thursday, the focus remains firmly on the pitch.
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