Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and second son of legendary French World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, has made headlines with a major change in his international career — switching his national team allegiance to Algeria. This decision marks a new chapter in his professional journey and adds a fascinating twist to the Zidane legacy in world football.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born in France, Luca Zidane grew up surrounded by football culture. Like his brothers, he came through the Real Madrid youth academy, developing his skills as a goalkeeper. Although he made just a handful of senior appearances for Real Madrid’s first team, Luca gained valuable experience across Spanish football with spells at Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and Granada in the Spanish second division.
Despite his pedigree and youth promise, Luca never earned a senior cap for France. However, he did represent France at youth levels, including the Under-17 and Under-20 teams.
The Influence of His Father, Zinedine Zidane
Luca’s father, Zinedine Zidane, is one of football’s most iconic figures — famed for leading France to victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and achieving club success with Juventus and Real Madrid. Zinedine’s parents hailed from the Kabylie region of Algeria, which makes Luca eligible to represent Algeria through his paternal heritage.
Though Zinedine Zidane’s own senior international career was tied entirely to France, Luca’s decision highlights how heritage and opportunity intersect in modern football. Rather than following directly in his father’s footsteps with Les Bleus, Luca has chosen a different path that honors his family roots.
Switching Allegiance to Algeria
On 19 September 2025, FIFA approved Luca Zidane’s request to change his sporting nationality from France to Algeria through its official change-of-association platform. This move made him eligible to represent the Algerian national team at major competitions, including 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations.
The decision came after Luca had never appeared for the French senior team, which meant FIFA rules allowed him to switch allegiances. His eligibility stems from his paternal grandparents’ Algerian nationality, giving him a genuine connection to North Africa.
First Call-Up and Debut
Following FIFA’s green light, Luca received his first call-up to the Algerian national team for World Cup qualifying matches against Somalia and Uganda. He made his debut in these qualifiers, marking the start of his journey with Algeria.
Head coach Vladimir Petković also included him in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco — a major continental tournament where Luca has the opportunity to shine on a big stage.
Why Luca Chose Algeria
Luca’s choice has both personal and professional dimensions. On a personal level, representing Algeria allows him to celebrate his family’s heritage and honor his grandfather, who has spoken emotionally about Luca’s decision. On a professional level, the switch offers him the chance to compete regularly at the international level, something that was less likely with France’s heavily stacked squad.
Luca himself has expressed pride in playing for Algeria, emphasizing how meaningful the decision has been for him and his family.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
As Luca continues his international career with Algeria, all eyes will be on how he performs in World Cup qualifiers and major tournaments. His story underscores the evolving nature of international football, where heritage, opportunity, and personal identity play significant roles in a player’s career choices.
Whether he becomes a long-term standout for the Algerian national team remains to be seen, but Luca Zidane’s journey already offers a compelling narrative of legacy, choice, and ambition in the modern game.
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