Zinedine Zidane’s son switches from France youth team to play for Algeria, grandfather’s homeland
ORAN, Algeria – Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, said Wednesday he is “proud” to represent Algeria ahead of the North African nation’s World Cup qualifier against Somalia on Thursday.
Luca Zidane Chooses Algeria Over France
The 27-year-old goalkeeper came through France’s youth teams but switched to Algeria, where his paternal grandparents were born. He changed sporting nationality last month, having never made it to France’s senior team.
“I’m very happy to be here. It makes me proud and I will give everything at 100 percent to make the Algerian people proud,” Luca told a press conference in Oran.
It’s his first call-up in a 26-man squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers. The Granada goalkeeper could debut against Somalia as Algeria looks to lock down their World Cup spot.
Family Backs His Decision
Luca’s family supports the move, including his father who won the 1998 World Cup with France.
“All my family are proud of me and back my choice, my grandfather is happy that I’m in Algeria and that I’ve made this decision,” he said.
When asked about his father’s influence, Luca was quick to draw a line. “He had his journey, his career. As for me, I have my journey, my career.”
It’s an interesting reversal. Zinedine was born in Marseille to Algerian parents but chose France, becoming one of football’s greatest players. Now his son is doing the opposite.
Algeria Eyes World Cup Qualification
Algeria can become the fourth African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they beat Somalia on Thursday. They lead their qualifying group and need just a point.
“The first objective, it’s tomorrow, it’s Somalia, and to win to qualify for the World Cup,” Luca said, keeping his focus narrow.
Algeria has been to four World Cups before, 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. They made the Round of 16 in Brazil. Qualifying for 2026 would be their fifth appearance.
The team is coached by Vladimir Petkovic and features names like Riyad Mahrez, Youcef Belaïli, and Islam Slimani. Adding a Zidane to the roster generates buzz, even if he hasn’t reached his father’s heights.
Luca’s Career Path
Luca plays for Granada in Spain’s Segunda División, the second tier. He spent time at Real Madrid, where his father managed from 2016 to 2018 and briefly in 2019.
But he made only one competitive appearance for Real Madrid’s senior side. After that, he bounced around on loan, Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, before landing at Granada.
At 27, representing Algeria at a World Cup might help him step out of his father’s considerable shadow. Or at least carve out his own path.
Nationality Switches in Football
Luca’s switch isn’t unusual. Dual-heritage players increasingly choose between national teams based on where they’ll actually play. FIFA rules allow it if you only represented a country at youth level.
Diego Costa switched from Brazil to Spain. Jorginho went from Brazil to Italy. Declan Rice left Ireland for England.
For Luca, Algeria offered something France probably never would: a genuine shot at international football. Les Bleus have serious goalkeeper depth, Mike Maignan, Alphonse Areola, and others. He wasn’t breaking into that group.
What’s Next
If Algeria qualifies Thursday, they’ll head to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament expands to 48 teams from 32, giving African nations more spots.
That expansion makes qualification slightly easier, though Algeria appears to have done the hard work already.
Luca Zidane’s potential World Cup debut would add another chapter to his family’s football story. This time in green and white instead of blue.
AFP
