Family of journalist Christophe Gleizes detained in Algeria laments lack of support from French football stars

Paris – 06/14/2026: The family of journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria, has publicly expressed their disappointment over the lack of support from renowned French football stars. On a television program on France 5, Gleizes’ mother and father-in-law voiced their frustration because people like Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and Zinédine Zidane, despite multiple requests, have not spoken out publicly to demand the journalist’s release. “They received the news, that is clear. They do not commit, that is also very evident,” said Francis Godard, Gleizes’ father-in-law.

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

Despite the serious charges and the long sentence, Gleizes’ family has repeatedly sought support from the world of French football. They addressed Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane directly in hopes of obtaining public statements or interventions. “It would be magnificent if Zinédine Zidane engaged in this fight,” said Francis Godard.

The response from the footballers consulted has so far been nonexistent. This has caused disappointment in Gleizes’ family, especially with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. “We regret it, but it is the World Cup, so we do not want to bring bad luck to them for the matches; we support them. But it is true that we expected a small gesture…,” added Godard.

Amid these events, FIFA granted Christophe Gleizes accreditation for the upcoming World Cup. This symbolic gesture was valued by Reporters Without Borders as a “firm support” for the journalist. “Remember that the place of this sports journalist, specialized in football, is not in prison, but in the stadiums and behind the scenes of this important global competition,” explained Thibaut Bruttin, director of Reporters Without Borders.

Gleizes’ family continues to await international support and calls on the French football community to speak out in favor of the journalist’s release. They emphasize that press freedom should not be a political tool and that support from figures like Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane could have a significant impact on public perception and diplomatic efforts.

The situation of Christophe Gleizes remains tense, and the family maintains its efforts to find support both politically and in the sports arena to secure his release.