At 20, Red Star defender Elyaz Zidane has not yet chosen between France and Algeria. According to Competition.dz, he is prioritising his club development while leaving the door open to the Fennecs.
Elyaz Zidane, a 20-year-old defender playing for Red Star FC, has still not decided between representing France and Algeria. The son of Zinédine Zidane, the former player and coach, prefers, according to Competition.dz, to focus above all on his current club.
This delay does not stop the Algerian federation and the Greens’ staff from closely following his progress in Ligue 2, according to the outlet. The player, who has worn the French colours at youth level, therefore remains in the spotlight.
A career with Les Bleus
Elyaz Zidane has worn the French shirt at U17, U18, U19 and U20 level, as reported by Competition.dz. In particular, he was a European Under-17 champion in 2022 with France, before reaching the Euro U19 final in 2024 in the same shirt.
Despite that record, the defender has not played a single match for the senior France team. That absence makes him eligible for a change of sporting nationality with FIFA, the outlet points out.
Red Star comes first
Asked about his international future, Elyaz Zidane was keen to bring the debate back to his day-to-day life at club level. “My priority remains my progress with my club, Red Star, as well as my contribution to my team’s results,” he said, according to Competition.dz.
The player also spoke about his childhood immersed in top-level sport: “I grew up in a sporting world and, alongside my father, attended major international competitions. I want to experience that too.” Comments that reflect international ambition without sealing his choice.
This season, Elyaz Zidane is playing under his coaching staff at Red Star in Ligue 2, with the aim of earning an undisputed starting place, the outlet says.
The Algeria file on hold
The daily Le Parisien recalls that the door remains completely open for a future call-up with the Fennecs, according to Competition.dz. The Algerian federation and the Greens’ staff are closely monitoring his progress in Ligue 2.
A decision on his final national team choice is expected for the international windows at the end of 2026, according to the outlet.
The Red Star defender faces Saint-Étienne, a Ligue 2 heavyweight clash, this Saturday, 17 October 2026.