PARIS, January 5, 2026 — Former Star Academy athletic coach Christophe Pinna, who helped shape the talents of early 2000s stars like Quentin Mosimann and Magali Vaé, has revealed he is battling cancer. The news, shared on Instagram at the start of 2026, has resonated with fans and former students of the popular French singing competition.
A Beloved Coach faces a New Challenge
Christophe Pinna, a karate champion and former coach on Star Academy, has announced his cancer diagnosis and upcoming chemotherapy treatment.
- Pinna worked with contestants on Star Academy between 2005 and 2008.
- He announced his diagnosis on Instagram to his 32,000 followers.
- Pinna is preparing to begin chemotherapy, framing it as a “path†rather than a “fight.â€
- Former student Pascal mono has publicly expressed his support.
Pinna, who trained students on Star Academy from 2005 to 2008 alongside Raphaëlle Ricci and Kamel Ouali, continued to teach karate in France after his time on the show. He never returned to Dammarie-les-Lys to work with students, but remained active in the sport. “I hesitated to talk about it for a long time,†Pinna wrote on Instagram. He then revealed he is undergoing cancer treatment, having already had two interventions, and will soon begin chemotherapy.
Though, Pinna approached the news with remarkable resilience. “I don’t see it as a fight,†he stated. “I see it as a path. A path that I walk with truth and dignity. I also go through moments of doubt, fatigue and fragility.There are things we don’t choose. But we choose what we do with it. And from all of this, something lovely, something good will come out of it.” He concluded with a hopeful message: “As even when life hits, it can’t take away what it taught me to become. I wish you a happy new year.â€
Support From the Star Academy Family
Pascal Mono, a contestant from the fifth season of Star Academy and a participant in the show’s 200th-issue bonus, publicly acknowledged Pinna’s illness during a radio interview with Nikos Aliagas. “I wanted to talk about a teacher from my season who is a great karate champion called Christophe Pinna, who is going through an ordeal at the moment. My wife is also going through this right now. we think of you very much Christophe, be strong! You’re a fighter,†Mono said.
Mono further expressed his support in a comment on Pinna’s Instagram post, writing, “With all my heart with you my friend Christophe Pinna, who is going through a great ordeal which affects me also in my immediate family… You are going to take a ride on the Grand 8 and you will come back… Your wisdom and tenacity have always been your values.†Cécile Chaduteau also offered her support, commenting, “I send you my strength and my love my dear Christophe, I kiss you hard.â€
The thirteenth edition of Star Academy premiered last October, featuring Nikos Aliagas as host and returning alumni Lucie Bernardoni and Karima Charni.The teaching staff has seen changes, with Alain Degois, Marlene Schaff, and Jonathan Jenvrin joining the team, while Sofia Morgavi and Ladji Doucouré continue in their roles.
