À It took being able to count on Zinédine Zidane in the national team for Algeria to get its son Luca on the sidelines of the recent CAN played in Morocco. While the goalkeeper played five games with the Fennecs, he also faced criticism last fall for choosing to represent Algeria. Accused by his detractors of choosing Algeria because he was not called up by the French national team, Luca Zidane defended his decision, stating 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 this Tuesday. “People from outside may think we have lived in France all our lives, especially my family, I lived in Spain but the attachment we have towards Algeria, it cannot be described.”
“A pride to be able to play and defend his 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 to Algeria. Not selected for the French national team by Didier Deschamps, the Grenade goalkeeper (Spanish second division) found his place with the Fennecs.
“We have had Algerian culture since we were young and it is our grandparents who passed on this love to us,” the second of Zinédine Zidane’s four sons added.
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 his country.”
Luca Zidane on his way to the 2026 World Cup
Convinced by the project led by Vladimir Petkovic and his staff, Luca Zidane quickly secured his spot as the starting goalkeeper for the Fennecs during the 2025 CAN. Despite Algeria’s journey ending in the quarterfinals with a loss to Nigeria (0-2), the goalkeeper dispelled doubts about his commitment and level.
Although he was left on the bench during a friendly match against Guatemala (7-0) in March, 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.
Original article published on RMC Sport
