Luca Zidane, the son of French World Cup legend Zinedine Zidane, has officially switched his international allegiance to Algeria, clearing the path for him to represent the North African nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA confirmed the approval of the 27-year-old goalkeeper’s change of association, following his previous appearances for France at youth levels. Currently on the books of Spanish second-division side Granada, Zidane’s decision marks a major boost for Algeria as they look to reinforce their goalkeeping options ahead of the tournament.
The Fennecs have rotated between four goalkeepers over the past year — Alexis Guendouz, Oussama Benbot, Anthony Mandrea, and Alexandre Oukidja — but none have fully established themselves as first choice. Zidane’s arrival could provide the consistency the team has been lacking.
A product of Real Madrid’s famed academy, Luca Zidane is the second of four brothers who all came through the club’s youth system. He made two senior appearances for Los Blancos before stints in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano and in Spain’s second tier with Eibar and Granada.
Although he represented France at various youth levels, including the under-20s, Zidane required FIFA’s clearance to complete his switch to Algeria. His eligibility stems from his father’s heritage, with Zinedine Zidane’s parents originally from the Kabylie region of Algeria.
Algeria remain strong contenders to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America, with a key qualifier against Somalia approaching.
Zinedine Zidane himself remains one of football’s most iconic figures, having inspired France to their first-ever World Cup triumph in 1998. His legendary career concluded in dramatic fashion with a red card in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
