The family of journalist Christoph Glese, who is imprisoned in Algeria, complains about the lack of support from well-known French footballers.

Paris – 14.06.2026: The family of journalist Christophe Gleize, who is imprisoned in Algeria, has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of support from well-known French football players. In a TV program on France 5, Gleize’s mother and father-in-law shared their disappointment that personalities such as Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and Zinedine Zidane, despite numerous requests, have not publicly defended the journalist’s release. “They received this news, that’s obvious. They are not participating – that is also very clear,” said Francis Godard, Gleize’s father-in-law.

Christophe Gleize, a 37-year-old freelance sports journalist, was arrested in May 2024 in Algeria after preparing a report on the football club Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK). He was accused of “justifying terrorism,” which led to a seven-year imprisonment.

Despite the severity of the charges and the lengthy prison sentence, Gleize’s family has repeatedly sought support from the French football world. They directly addressed Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane, hoping for public statements or intervention. “It would be great if Zinedine Zidane joined this fight,” added Francis Godard.

There has been no response from the mentioned footballers so far. This caused disappointment in Gleize’s family, especially against the backdrop of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. “We feel sorry, but since it is the World Cup, we do not want to bring them bad luck during the games, we support them. However, the truth is that we hoped for at least a small gesture…” Godard added.

Amid these events, FIFA granted Christophe Gleize accreditation for the upcoming World Cup. This symbolic gesture was praised by Reporters Without Borders as “powerful support” for the journalist. “It reminds us that the place of this sports journalist, who specializes in football, is not in prison, but in stadiums and behind the scenes of this significant global event,” explained Thibaut Brutten, director of Reporters Without Borders.

The Gleize family continues to hope for international support and calls on the French football community to advocate for the journalist’s release. They emphasize that press freedom should not become a playground for political interests, and that support from personalities like Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane could have a significant impact on public opinion and diplomatic efforts.

Christophe Gleize’s situation remains tense, and his family continues their efforts to seek support both politically and within the sports world to secure his release.