Luca Zidane, son of the legendary Zinédine Zidane, has made a bold move: switching sports nationality to play for Algeria. At 27, the Granada goalkeeper—who progressed through all French youth teams and won a U17 European Championship—now aims to make his mark with the Fennecs. FIFA officially confirmed the decision, making it one of the most talked‑about stories in the football world this summer.
This decision couldn’t come at a better time for Algeria, which has been struggling to find a consistent first-choice goalkeeper since the end of the M’Bolhi era. Several candidates failed to secure the position, and fans have even called for the former hero to return. Luca Zidane, with his world-famous surname and proven youth record, could be the answer to the team’s pressing needs.
For Luca Zidane, this move offers a fresh start on the international stage. Having not been called up by France since 2018, he can now target the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup as realistic goals. Upcoming qualifiers—against Somalia and Uganda in October—may offer him his first appearance in Algeria’s starting lineup.
This isn’t just a sporting decision; it’s a symbolic one. Luca Zidane joins the ranks of French-born stars like Mahrez and Feghouli who have set the Fennecs alight. Algeria, eager for ambition and stability, is counting on a name synonymous with talent and success to energize supporters in the big competitions ahead.