Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of legendary playmaker Zinedine Zidane, has officially switched his international allegiance from France to Algeria. The decision, now ratified by FIFA, paves the way for him to represent the North African nation at the international stage, with the possibility of featuring in the 2026 World Cup.
Born in Marseille, Luca rose through the French national youth system and carried with him the promise of following in his father’s celebrated footsteps. However, his choice to represent Algeria runs deeper than football it is a reconnection to his family’s roots. Zinedine Zidane’s parents hailed from the Kabylie region of Algeria before settling in France, and this heritage played a major role in Luca’s decision.
Algeria is currently in the final stages of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with a decisive clash against Somalia on the horizon. If they secure qualification, Luca could write his own World Cup story this time in the colors of the nation his grandparents once called home.
A Family Name Forged in Madrid
The Zidane family name has long been synonymous with football brilliance. All four of Zinedine’s sons, including Luca, developed through the youth ranks of Real Madrid. For Luca, the journey was particularly significant—he earned two senior appearances for the club before gaining La Liga experience with Rayo Vallecano. His career later took him to Eibar in Spain’s second division, before moving to Granada in 2024, where he has continued to establish himself as a reliable shot-stopper.
An Emotional New Chapter
Luca’s choice is not without emotional weight. While Zinedine Zidane etched his name in French history with his iconic performances—most notably his two goals in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil—his son has chosen a different path. By aligning himself with Algeria, Luca honors his family’s lineage while setting out to create his own legacy on the international stage.
The switch represents more than just football. It is a story of identity, belonging, and the power of heritage. Should Algeria qualify for the World Cup, Luca Zidane will have the chance to write a new chapter—one that bridges family history, national pride, and the dream of carrying Algeria’s flag onto football’s biggest stage.
