Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, Mike Tyson and Hulk Hogan: US athletes get involved in the Harris – Trump match

The phenomenon is not new. Close to home, in 2002, Zinedine Zidane did not hesitate to speak out before the second round of the presidential elections between Jacques Chirac and Jean-Marie Le Pen. “It’s not possible, it’s not playable”, said the Real Madrid player.

In the United States, this election, like the two previous ones in which Donald Trump participated, is very polarized. Kamala Harris does not always arouse overwhelming enthusiasm. The image of the Republican is, for its part, damaged by his discriminatory and sexist remarks. In these conditions, it is not easy for an athlete to leave his natural reserve and support one or the other.

Kamala Harris: basketball players in force

Stephen CurryNBA and Golden State Warriors legend, believes in the Democratic candidate’s chances of victory. “I think she could, as president, bring back this unity and continue to move our country forwardexplains the leader. I had the opportunity to visit Kamala with my team at the White House last year. I can tell you one thing: I knew then, and I know now, that the Oval Office is a perfect fit for him.”

Curry takes the route of Magic Johnson. The Los Angeles Lakers legend even attended a conference in Michigan in early October. Against a backdrop of racial tension, he encourages black men to vote for Kamala Harris. “I’ve known Vice President Harris for over 25 years and you can count on her to keep her promisesMagic said. She will be the president of all, regardless of race, language, sexual orientation or political line.”

The former tennis player Billie Jean King is another great support. She is part of the “Athletes for Harris” campaign, as Steve Kerrthe coach of the Golden State Warriors who extended in California for a record salary in early 2024, and the basketball player Chris Paulstill active at 39 with the Spurs, as well as the three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker.

And Trump having not hesitated to describe football as a boring sport, it is not surprising to find fifteen players known in the USA (Mel Blount, Emmitt Smith, etc.) joining the athletes’ campaign in favor of Kamala Harris. The rugby woman Ilona Maher (in bronze in Paris), sometimes seen as an influencer, also supports the democrat. As Alexandra TruwitParalympic swimmer who returned from Paris with two silver medals: “I feel more than ever the importance of unity and the unification of voices. Vice President Harris is a vote for kindness, inclusion and unity.”

Donald Trump, testosterone in the spotlight

The Republican candidate gives himself the air of a champion of virility. No wonder then that ring pros join him in his fight. Like the old boxer Mike Tysona support of… heavy weight. “Trump will win. Yeah, it would be nice if he wonexplains the former world champion in a podcast. He’s just a good guy. I don’t agree with everything he said. No one is perfect in this world…” Et Jake Paulhis opponent in a match in mid-November, to confirm: “America will fall if Trump doesn’t win the election.”

President of the UFC, Dana White is a respected (or feared, depending) figure in the world of combat sports, but also in other fields. And the fifty-year-old does not hold back in supporting Trump. He even spoke at the Republican Party convention in July. “I’m in the tough guy business and this man is the toughest, most resilient human being I’ve ever met in my life.”White said.

Wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan has been an unconditional supporter of Donald Trump for many years. “Let Trump mania make America great again.”exclaimed the wrestler, who tore his t-shirt at the Republican convention, like during his best years, revealing a pro-Trump t-shirt, which he describes as a hero.

In a less violent sport well known in Europe, Alexis Lalasa former footballer who participated in the 94 World Cup and became an analyst, sided with the former president. He attended a conference in Milwaukee in July.

Danica PatrickAmerican racing driver, queen of NASCAR joined JD Vance, Trump’s running mate and therefore future vice-president… if he obviously won. “I just want to say I’ve never voted before, but this time I have to votesaid the 42-year-old pilot, encouraging those who plan to vote for Trump to bring one of their friends with them. It’s important, I will vote for the good guys.”

Former football player, Brittany Matthews is best known currently for being the wife of Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs and leading figure in the NFL. Brittany in any case liked pro-Trump posts, and was thanked by the latter for the support thus given. “I prefer Mrs. Mahomes to Taylor Swift if you want to know the truthsaid the New Yorker. She’s a big Trump fan.”

More Patrick Mahomes is not ready to follow in his wife’s footsteps. “My role is to inform people to register to vote, to inform people to do their own research and then make the best decision for themselves and their family.”he declared. His teammate Harrison Butker supports him, clearly, the Republican, either “the president who will be the most pro-life president” (in reference to abortion).

It’s not always easy for an athlete to make a decision during an election, his image being at stake. But in any case, the die is soon made. The referee will whistle the end of the game on November 5. Unless VAR intervenes?