Zinédine Zidane, the coach of the French national football team, said during a press conference in Brussels on September 27, 2026, that he does not believe it is necessary for football to engage with climate issues. However, he expressed concern about recent climate-related disasters that have affected areas such as Kabylie in northern Algeria and Bordeaux in France. He hopes for an end to such events and wants to focus on the team's footballing responsibilities. The wildfires in Kabylie, where Zidane's father is from, were part of a larger wave of fires that struck several regions in northern Algeria on August 26, resulting in 12 deaths and many injuries. In Bordeaux, where Zidane played from 1992 to 1996, a large fire in Saumos forced the evacuation of 220,000 people and destroyed 42,000 hectares of land. These events are part of a growing pattern of more frequent and severe droughts and wildfires in the Mediterranean region. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified this area as a "hot spot" for global warming, indicating that the region is particularly vulnerable to climate change effects. A report titled Decarbonizing Sport by The Shift Project highlights that air travel for international football matches is the main source of emissions in the sport. The report suggests that adjusting the international sports calendar and reducing reliance on air travel could help reduce the environmental impact of football. The French Football Federation admits that travel is its primary source of emissions and acknowledges that climate change is already affecting training and match schedules, which can pose risks to players' health. Zidane's comments have faced criticism, with some accusing him of climate denial. A letter published by Reporterre criticized his position, arguing that by not addressing football's environmental impact, Zidane contributes to a "stagnation and denial" that threatens the planet. The letter also noted that the expansion of football matches by organizations like FIFA and UEFA is increasing the sport's contribution to climate change. A report titled Pitches in Peril, published by Football for Future and Common Goal, used IPCC projections to assess the risk to World Cup stadiums for the 2026 tournament. It found that many of these stadiums are already vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. The report also highlighted that youth football fields, such as the Léo-Lagrange Stadium in Bondy—where Kylian Mbappé started his career—are at risk from future climate impacts. In contrast to Zidane's stance, Victor Wembanyama, a basketball player, has expressed guilt over the environmental impact of his frequent air travel and has taken steps to reduce his carbon footprint. His actions reflect a recognition of the role sports can play in contributing to and addressing climate change.