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The name Zidane is back on the World Cup stage. Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has suited up for Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing a remarkable journey that saw him switch national allegiances and carve out his own identity in the shadow of one of the sport’s greatest players.
From France’s youth ranks to Algeria’s number one
Born on May 13, 1998, in France, Luca Zidane represented his birth country at youth levels before making the decision to pursue his Algerian heritage. FIFA approved his nationality switch on September 19, 2025, clearing the path for a senior international career that seemed unlikely to materialize with France.
His debut came quickly. On October 14, 2025, Zidane started in goal for Algeria against Uganda in a World Cup qualifier. Algeria won 2-1, and just like that, the younger Zidane had his own international highlight reel.
A broken jaw and a World Cup squad
The road to the 2026 World Cup wasn’t smooth. While playing for Spanish club Granada in April 2026, Luca suffered a jaw and chin fracture. He recovered in time. Algeria’s squad, announced in late May 2026, included his name alongside established stars like Riyad Mahrez.
Zinedine Zidane has publicly backed his son’s choice throughout. The elder Zidane attended multiple Algeria matches, including games during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Zidane family’s connection to Algeria, where Zinedine’s parents emigrated from before his birth in Marseille, is clearly more than ceremonial.
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