Follow Us on Google
When Luca Zidane stepped onto the pitch in Rabat on Wednesday night, he did more than make his Africa Cup of Nations debut. He also reaffirmed a deeply personal choice — one that set him on a different international path from his father, France legend Zinedine Zidane.
Algeria’s 3–0 victory over Sudan to open their Morocco 2025 AFCON campaign was rich in storylines. Riyad Mahrez made history with a brace to become Algeria’s leading scorer at AFCON finals, while Ibrahim Maza became the youngest Algerian goalscorer in tournament history. But behind the goals, the clean sheet carried particular symbolic weight, guarded by a goalkeeper whose surname is synonymous with French footballing glory.
Unlike his father, who famously led France to World Cup triumph in 1998, Luca Zidane chose to represent Algeria — a decision rooted not in opportunity, but identity.
Having played for France at youth level, the 27-year-old was eligible to continue along that route. Instead, he committed his international future to Algeria, the country of his family’s origins. The choice, he has explained, was driven by family ties and a desire to honour his heritage.
“My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria,” Zidane told CAFOnline. “He wanted me to be proud of my origins, and I wanted to honour him. My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction.”
That conviction was evident at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Trusted with the responsibility between the posts, the Granada goalkeeper delivered a composed and authoritative performance, keeping Sudan at bay to mark his AFCON debut with a clean sheet.
Head coach Vladimir Petković praised the immediate impact of his new No.1.
“Zidane gave the team a real sense of security and played well with his feet, despite it being one of his first matches with the national team,” Petković said.
Protected by an experienced defence featuring Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ramy Bensebaini, Zidane showed calm decision-making and confidence in distribution — qualities that underline why Algeria see him as a long-term solution in a position once defined by Rais M’Bolhi.
The moment carried additional emotion with Zinedine Zidane present in the stands. The 1998 World Cup winner, applauded warmly when shown on the stadium screens, watched his son shine — this time in Algeria’s green and white rather than France’s blue.
“It’s really nice that he came with my brother,” Luca said. “I’ve always had my family’s support, and seeing them here gives me even more strength to defend Algeria’s colours.”
Zidane’s emergence comes as Algeria seek renewal after two disappointing AFCON tournaments in 2021 and 2023, where they failed to win a match or progress beyond the group stage. This opening victory, and the defensive solidity behind it, suggests a shift in direction.
For Luca Zidane, the clean sheet against Sudan was not just a strong start to a tournament — it was a statement. By choosing Algeria over France, he embraced a legacy different from his father’s, one defined by roots, responsibility and a new chapter in Algerian football.
Next up for Zidane and the Fennecs is a stern test against Burkina Faso on Sunday in Rabat, as Algeria look to confirm their revival and continue building around a goalkeeper whose choice has already begun to pay dividends.
