The 27-year-old goalkeeper Luca Zidane is gradually integrating into the Algeria national football team and has been included in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Since making his national team debut in October last year, the product of Real Madrid’s youth academy has gradually gained recognition from the coaching staff and teammates both on the training ground and in team life.
Luca Zidane previously represented France at all youth levels from U16 to U20, making 31 appearances in total. Later, at the invitation of the Algerian Football Federation, he completed the association change at the FIFA level and officially chose to play for the Algeria national team. Head coach Vladimir Petković hoped to inject new blood into the goalkeeper position, and Luca Zidane, who plays for Granada in Spain’s Segunda División, entered his scouting radar.
After completing the nationality switch, Petković held multiple communications with Luca Zidane, including phone calls and face-to-face talks at the national technical center. The coaching staff clearly outlined the tactical and technical requirements for the goalkeeper position to him. Although the communication time was not long, it was regarded as a mature and pragmatic exchange. The Algerian Football Federation also documented the entire process of his joining the national team through official channels, and his every move, from arriving at the training base to his first joint training session, has attracted close attention from local media.
Beyond athletic factors, Luca Zidane’s identity has also sparked discussions. As the son of French legendary player Zinedine Zidane, he has long been in the spotlight since his debut. While this identity brings attention, it also means higher expectations and pressure. Whether during his time in Real Madrid’s youth academy or later playing for multiple Spanish clubs, he has always been compared to his father’s achievements by the outside world.
Faced with some doubts about his choice to play for Algeria, Luca Zidane did not shy away. In an interview with local media, he clearly stated that his decision was not impulsive but a well-considered choice. He hopes to repay Algerian fans with his actual performances and give his all for the national team.
In terms of his club career, Luca Zidane graduated from Real Madrid’s youth academy and once entered the first-team squad. He has since played for Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar and other teams, and currently plays for Granada in the Segunda División. Algerian media generally believe that he has the ability to gain a foothold in higher-level leagues, and his national team experience has also increased his exposure and attention to a certain extent.
In the match against Uganda in October last year, Luca Zidane made his national team debut. Despite conceding a goal early in the game, his overall performance was rated as steady. The coaching staff believes that he has a positive attitude and strong execution in training, and has gradually adapted to the rhythm and atmosphere of the national team.
As Algeria’s first match of the Africa Cup of Nations approaches, the competition for the goalkeeper position in the team continues. Petković has not yet publicly confirmed the starter, stating that the final decision will be made a few days before the game. For Luca Zidane, being able to gain a firm foothold during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations cycle is not only an athletic test but also an important opportunity to truly earn his place against the backdrop of being "Zidane’s son."
