Zidane calls for Christophe Gleizes’ release at his unveiling

Paris – 28.07.2026: Zinédine Zidane used his first public address as the new coach of the French national team to appeal on behalf of sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is imprisoned in Algeria. At his unveiling, the 1998 World Cup winner expressed hope that Gleizes would be able to return home. The brief statement has brought renewed attention to a case marked by uncertainty and concern for his relatives for more than two years.

According to Franceinfo, Zidane signed a contract until 2030 on Tuesday. In his address, he also paid tribute to the victims of the recent fires. His words about Gleizes came at a moment when the former global football star’s appointment was attracting attention far beyond France. The appeal therefore extended beyond football, without Zidane assessing the legal accusations in detail.

Gleizes works as a freelance journalist, including for the magazines So Foot and Society. In May 2024, he travelled to Algeria to report on the football club Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie. He was arrested in Tizi Ouzou on 28 May. He was subsequently barred from leaving the country under a court order. His family and several professional associations have since stressed that his contacts and reporting served exclusively journalistic purposes.

A court in Tizi Ouzou sentenced Gleizes to seven years in prison on 29 June 2025. According to Reporters Without Borders, he was accused, among other things, of glorifying terrorism and possessing publications for propaganda purposes that were allegedly intended to harm Algeria’s national interests. The organization does not consider the allegations to be supported by his journalistic work and is calling for his release.

The French Football Federation, FFF, has also repeatedly expressed solidarity with Gleizes. In March, players and referees appeared at French Cup matches in front of a banner calling for his release. In June, FFF president Philippe Diallo asked the Algerian authorities for a pardon. According to the federation, the family withdrew a cassation appeal in order to clear the way for such a step.

For Gleizes’ relatives and his editorial team, the support of prominent figures means that the case remains in the public eye. Zidane echoed the demands of the solidarity campaign without expanding on them diplomatically or legally. He simply expressed the wish that the journalist could return to his family. According to the most recently published information, Gleizes remains in custody in Algeria.