Zidane’s son Luca chooses Algeria over France

Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, has chosen to play for Algeria at an international level, officially switching his allegiance from the French national team on September 19th. According to BBC Sport, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has made the choice to join the North African squad ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers against Somalia in hopes of following his father’s steps in the international scene.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper was born near Marseille, but has only represented the French national team at youth level. As per FIFA regulations, Luca’s dual nationality and inexperience on the French senior squad allow him to pursue an international career for Algeria. His decision to represent the North African nation was approved by the International Federation on September 19th, and comes as Algeria edge closer to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Currently playing for Granada in Spain’s second division, Luca is the second of four brothers who came through Real Madrid’s academy. After making two senior appearances for the Spanish giants during the 2017–18 season, he gained top-flight experience with Rayo Vallecano, also in the Spanish capital of Madrid. Later, Luca made his way into the second division team Eibar, in the Basque Country, before arriving at his current home in Andalucia.

Luca qualifies for Algeria through his paternal grandparents, who came from the Kabylie region of the North African country. His father, Zinedine, memorably chose to represent France in the international stage for the entire duration of his career. Retired since 2006, he remains one of most iconic figures of football, remembered for his match-winning performance in France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, as well as for his dramatic red card in the 2006 final against Italy.

For Luca, the switch could provide the chance to carve out his own chapter on football’s biggest stage — this time in the colours of Algeria.