The family of the journalist Christophe Glace, who is being held captive in Algeria, complains about the lack of support from the French football star.

Paris – June 14, 2026: The family of journalist Christophe Glaize, detained in Algeria, has publicly expressed disappointment over the lack of support from renowned French football players. In a program on France 5, Glaize’s mother and father-in-law said it was disappointing that, despite repeated requests, figures like Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and Zinedine Zidane have not publicly called for the release of the journalist. “They have received messages, that is clear. They are not involved, that is also very obvious,” said Glaize’s father-in-law, Francis Godard.

Christophe Glaize is a 37-year-old freelance sports journalist who was arrested in Algeria in May 2024 for producing a report about the Kabylie Youth Sports Club (Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie, JSK). Glaize was accused of “defending terrorism” and was consequently sentenced to seven years in prison.

Despite facing severe charges and a lengthy prison sentence, Glaize’s family has repeatedly sought support from the French football community. They contacted Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane directly in hopes of obtaining a public statement or intervention. “It would be great if Zinedine Zidane could get involved in this fight,” said Francis Godard.

So far, the requested football stars have not responded, which disappoints Glaize’s family, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. “We feel regret, but because it is the World Cup, we do not want to bring them bad luck, we support them. But indeed, we originally hoped for a small gesture…,” Godard added.

In this series of events, FIFA has issued a World Cup press card to Christophe Glaize for the upcoming tournament. This symbolic gesture has been seen by Reporters Without Borders as a “strong sign of support” for the journalist. “It reminds us that the position of this football-focused sports journalist should not be in prison, but inside stadiums and behind the scenes at these important world events,” explained Thibaut Broutin, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders.

Glaize’s family continues to hope for international support and calls on the French football community to raise their voices for the journalist’s release. They emphasize that press freedom should not be held hostage by political interests, and support from figures like Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane could have a significant impact on public opinion and diplomatic efforts.

Christophe Glaize’s situation remains tense, and his family continues to work to seek support at political and sports levels to secure his release.