- Home >
- Soccer >
- CAF Africa Cup of Nations >
- Luca Zidane steps out of his father’s shadow with Algeria at AFCON
Luca Zidane steps out of his father’s shadow with Algeria at AFCON
Carrying one of football’s most famous surnames, Luca Zidane is quietly writing his own story on Africa’s biggest stage.
Making his own name on the AFCON stage
All the excitement of AFCON 2025 exclusively on beIN Sports.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane is embracing the spotlight at the Africa Cup of Nations, determined to let his performances speak louder than his famous last name. At 27, Zidane has emerged as a calm and reliable presence between the posts, anchoring an Algerian side with serious ambitions.
So far, he has yet to concede a goal as a starter, keeping clean sheets in three appearances. He was rested for Algeria’s final group match against Equatorial Guinea, but returned refreshed as the tournament moved into the knockout rounds.
A proud family watching from the stands
The spotlight extended beyond the pitch. Zinedine Zidane, the French football icon and Luca’s father, was present at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat to witness his son’s journey — from Algeria’s 3-0 opening win over Sudan, to the narrow 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso, and again during the dramatic extra-time triumph over DR Congo in the round of 16.
Each time Zinedine appeared on the stadium’s big screens, he was greeted with loud applause from Algerian supporters. Luca’s mother and younger brother were also in attendance, turning the stands into a family affair.
“I’m happy they’re here and supporting me,” Luca told SNTV this week. “Every player knows that when your family is there, it makes it special.”
Choosing Algeria, embracing the moment
Born in France to a Spanish mother, Luca Zidane chose to represent the country of his grandparents after receiving an invitation from the Algerian Football Federation. His opportunity at AFCON arrived following a knee injury to Alexandre Oukidja, who would likely have been the first-choice goalkeeper if fit.
“It’s a source of pride for me to represent my country and play in an Africa Cup of Nations,” Zidane said. “It’s an incredible experience. Wearing your national team’s shirt is already something special.”
From Real Madrid to building his own path
Like his three brothers, Luca came through the famed Real Madrid academy and made senior appearances mainly as a backup. In 2019, he decided to move on — initially on loan — in search of regular playing time. With Thibaut Courtois firmly established as Madrid’s number one, Zidane charted a different course.
Now playing for Granada in Spain’s second division, he remains focused on steady progress rather than shortcuts.
“I try to be myself and build my career on my own terms,” he explained. “With the national team, I want to help however I can to achieve our goals, and it’s the same at club level. I’m taking things step by step.”
Away from the noise of his surname, Luca Zidane is earning recognition the hard way — through consistency, patience and performances on one of international football’s biggest stages. At AFCON, he’s no longer just Zidane’s son; he’s Algeria’s goalkeeper.
