Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, has switched his national team allegiance from France to Algeria. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced the news on Friday, September 19, 2025. FIFA approved the change, allowing Luca to represent the North African nation.
Luca represented France at youth levels but never played for the senior team. This kept him eligible for Algeria, where his paternal grandparents are from. Born in Marseille, Luca joins a growing list of players embracing their heritage. His move comes as Algeria eyes the 2026 World Cup.
Luca currently plays for Granada in Spain’s second division. He rose through Real Madrid’s academy, joining in 2004. He debuted for the first team in 2018 and was the third-choice keeper for their Champions League win that year. Now 27, he brings experience to Algeria’s squad.
Luca, le fils de Zinédine Zidane, choisit de représenter l’Algérie.
➡️ https://t.co/AQk115DWdP pic.twitter.com/06CXDlpsrV
— Le Parisien (@le_Parisien) September 19, 2025Algeria leads World Cup qualifying Group G with 19 points. They need a win against Somalia or draw with Uganda next month to qualify for 2026. The nation also secured a spot in the 2025 African Cup of Nations, starting December 21 in Morocco. Luca’s arrival strengthens their goalkeeping options.
Zinedine Zidane, born in Marseille to Algerian parents, led France to World Cup glory in 1998. Luca’s switch honours family roots from Bejaia, 250 km east of Algiers. It continues the Zidane legacy in football, bridging French and Algerian heritage.
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Luca Zidane’s move highlights football’s global connections. Players choosing heritage teams enrich competitions. For Algeria, it’s a boost toward World Cup success. Fans watch how Luca performs in green and white. Luca Zidane’s switch to Algeria marks an exciting chapter. With FIFA’s approval, he’s ready to represent his roots.
