Zinedine Zidane appointed France coach, raises Algeria journalist dispute

Zinedine Zidane was officially named head coach of the France national football team on 28 June 2026, with a contract running until 2030. In a press conference in Paris he expressed deep emotion, saying, “I have waited for this day for five years… I am very happy.”

Zidane also used the occasion to call for support for French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is serving a seven‑year prison term in Algeria on a terrorism‑related charge. Zidane said he “supports this case… like any father” and urged the French Football Federation to stand by Gleizes and his family, highlighting the diplomatic tension between France and Algeria.

The appointment and the accompanying political remarks have sparked a strong reaction on social media, with some accusing Zidane of “political blackmail” and others praising his humanitarian stance.