Jean-Jacques Goldman has once again claimed the top spot in the 2025 rankings of favorite personalities among the French, published by the Journal du Dimanche (JDD) on January 4. This marks the 14th time the beloved singer has been recognized as the French public's favorite, maintaining his status as one of the nation’s most cherished figures.
Despite having withdrawn from the public eye, Goldman continues to hold the hearts of many, showcasing the remarkable staying power of his legacy. Following him, actor Omar Sy and judo champion Teddy Riner occupy the second and third positions respectively, reflecting the varied interests of the French populace.
Omar Sy, known for his breakout role in the film Intouchables and more recently recognized for his performance in Netflix's Lupin, has once again proved his popularity among French audiences. Teddy Riner, revered for his accomplishments on the judo mat, secured his place on the podium following his double gold medal success during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both personalities exemplify the eclectic taste of the French, who appreciate contributions from the realms of entertainment and sports alike.
Completing the top five are singer Florent Pagny at fourth and rising judo star Léon Marchand at fifth. Marchand's involvement and success at the Olympics have evidently contributed to his rise, highlighting how recent sporting achievements can influence public sentiment and recognition.
Interestingly, this year's rankings tell another story—a noticeable absence of women among the top ten. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, holds the title of the highest-ranking woman at 11th place, marking her considerable ascent from previous years where she held the 61st position. It seems the political arena is slowly seeping through the cracks of the ranking hierarchy, with Le Pen and her counterpart Jordan Bardella, who claims the 10th spot, representing the only political figures gracing the list.
Following these leaders, the rankings feature other prominent male personalities, such as singer Soprano, astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and rugby star Antoine Dupont. Dupont's popularity has also surged following successes with the French national team at international competitions, proving once again the intertwining of sports with national pride.
Aside from the top-ranking personalities, the full list informs us about shifting public interests, with figures like Michel Sardou and Jean Reno maintaining visible presence, whereas others, such as Jean Dujardin, have dramatically dropped positions from previous years. The fluctuations paint a colorful picture of public affection and the transient nature of fame.
Surprises do pepper the current lineup as well—Faustine Bollaert, television presenter, impressively climbed up 11 positions, now standing at the 38th spot, showcasing the growing popularity of figures from the media sphere. Conversely, Virginie Efira has seen notable declines, dropping to the 42nd spot from her previous rank, illustrating the unpredictable elements of public favor.
The Journal du Dimanche’s ranking not only sheds light on the favorites of the French population but also reflects broader societal trends, demonstrating how sports, entertainment, and politics intertwine within the collective consciousness. The resonance of historical icons such as Jean-Jacques Goldman continues to be significant, proving their relevance across generations.
With the 2025 rankings unveiled, it’s clear the French public remains anchored to cultural icons and recent sporting achievements, forever entrusting the top spots to familiar faces who resonate deeply across their storytelling and charismatic significance.