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Why Does Zidane’s Son, Luca Zidane, Play for Algeria at AFCON 2025?
The name opens doors, but the choice was deeply personal. Luca Zidane followed his roots and found his own path on the African stage.
A fresh chapter with the Fennecs
Luca Zidane is beginning to carve out an international identity of his own. At 27, the Granada goalkeeper has been called up by Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, with the Fennecs opening their campaign in Rabat against Sudan.
His integration has been swift. Zidane only joined the national setup in October for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda, but circumstances quickly placed him in genuine contention.
A goalkeeping spot up for grabs
Algeria are searching for stability in a position long defined by Raïs M’Bolhi, the undisputed No.1 for more than a decade. Since 2023, the succession plan has been underway, with Alexis Guendouz initially taking responsibility.
An injury to the MC Alger goalkeeper recently reshaped the landscape, boosting Luca Zidane’s standing. He now competes with Anthony Mandréa of Caen and experienced Oussama Benbot from USM Alger, as the coaching staff work to shield him from the spotlight that inevitably follows his surname.
Living with the Zidane name
Inside the squad, the reality is understood. Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s captain and leading figure, addressed it openly.
“Luca is just like everyone else. He’s settled in well and gives everything for the team,” Mahrez said, before adding: “But it’s true — his last name carries weight.”
Zidane himself acknowledged that pressure during his first camp: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s an honor, and I’ll give 100 percent so the Algerian people can be proud.”
A choice rooted in family history
The question was inevitable: why Algeria and not France? Having never featured for the French senior team, Luca Zidane remained eligible to represent the country of his paternal grandparents.
“With Algeria, I immediately think of my grandfather,” he explained. “There has always been Algerian culture in my family. I spoke with him before joining the national team, and he was very emotional.”
FIFA officially approved his sporting nationality switch on September 19, and Algeria moved quickly to secure his commitment.
Building his own legacy
Raised in Spain and the son of a French football icon, Luca Zidane chose to step away from expectation and build something of his own. “From the first contact with the coach and the federation president, the decision felt obvious,” he said. “My family supported me from the start.”
Now wearing the colors of Algeria, Zidane has the chance to chase continental success at the Africa Cup of Nations — not as a famous name, but as a goalkeeper determined to write his own story.
