The family of journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria, denounces the lack of support from French football stars

Paris – 14.06.2026: The family of journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria, has publicly denounced the lack of support from prominent French footballers. In a television program on France 5, Gleizes’ mother and father-in-law expressed their disappointment that figures such as Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and Zinédine Zidane, despite repeated requests, have never publicly taken a stand for the journalist’s release. “They have received the news, that is clear. They are not committing themselves, that is also very evident,” said Francis Godard, Gleizes’ father-in-law.

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

Despite the serious charges and the lengthy prison term, Gleizes’ family has repeatedly called for support from the French football world. They have directly addressed Mbappé, Benzema, and Zidane, hoping to obtain public statements or interventions. “It would be fantastic if Zinédine Zidane got involved in this fight,” said Francis Godard.

So far, there has been no response from the mentioned footballers. This has caused disappointment in Gleizes’ family, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup. “We are sorry, but it is the World Cup, so we do not want to bring bad luck to the matches, we support them. But it is true that we were hoping for a small gesture…,” Godard added.

Amid these developments, FIFA granted Christophe Gleizes accreditation for the upcoming World Cup. This symbolic gesture was described by Reporters Without Borders as a “strong 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 hope for international support and calls on the French football community to mobilize for the journalist’s release. They emphasize that press freedom must not become a pawn in the hands of political interests and that the support of personalities 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 continues their efforts to obtain support at the political and sports levels in order to secure his release.