Luca Zidane has chosen to play for Algeria before the recent Africa Cup of Nations but has been accused of choosing the Fennecs out of opportunism. The Algerian goalkeeper once again justified his decision on Tuesday and reiterated his attachment to the Maghreb country.
Failing to have Zinedine Zidane in the selection, Algeria secured his son Luca on the sidelines of the recent CAN held in Morocco. While the goalkeeper has played five matches with the Fennecs, he has also faced criticism for his selection choice. Accused by his detractors of opting for Algeria because he was not called up for the French national team, Luca Zidane defended his decision and expressed his love for his ancestors’ country.
“It’s the attachment we have, our family, and the love we have for Algeria. It can’t be explained,” said the 27-year-old player in an interview with Onze Mondial published on Tuesday. “People from the outside may think that we have lived in France all our lives, especially my family, I have lived in Spain but the attachment we have to Algeria, it cannot be described.”
“A pride to be able to play and defend one’s country”
Born in France and raised in Spain during “Zizou’s” time at Real Madrid, Luca Zidane represented France in youth categories from U16 to U20 for several years before making the switch internationally. Not selected by Didier Deschamps for the national team, the Grenade (Spanish second division) goalkeeper eventually found success with the Fennecs.
“We have had Algerian culture since we were young, and it is my grandparents who pass on this love to us,” added the second of Zinedine Zidane’s four sons.
He later added: “It has always interested me to go to the Algerian national team. It is a pride to be able to play and defend one’s country.”
Luca Zidane on the road to the 2026 World Cup
Convinced by the project set up by Vladimir Petkovic and his staff, Luca Zidane quickly secured a starting position in goal for the Fennecs during the 2025 CAN. Although Algeria’s journey ended in the quarter-finals with a defeat against Nigeria (0-2), the goalkeeper silenced doubts about his commitment and skill.
Although he was left on the bench during the friendly thrashing against Guatemala (7-0) in the March camp, Luca Zidane is expected to be part of the Algerian squad for the 2026 World Cup where his team will face Argentina in their first match in Group J, followed by matches against Jordan and Austria.
