- Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, switches allegiance from France to Algeria.
- FIFA has approved the move, making him eligible to represent Algeria.
- Algeria are favourites to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
- The 27-year-old goalkeeper came through Real Madrid’s academy and now plays for Granada in Spain’s second division.
- His father, Zinedine Zidane, was born in France but has Kabylie, Algerian roots.
Luca Zidane, son of France’s iconic World Cup hero Zinedine Zidane, has officially switched his international allegiance from France to Algeria, reigniting his hopes of appearing on football’s grandest stage.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who was born near Marseille and featured for France across multiple youth levels, has received FIFA’s approval to represent Algeria. The decision comes as the North African giants edge closer to confirming their spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with a decisive qualifier against Somalia looming.
Zidane, the second of four brothers to rise through the famed Real Madrid academy, currently plays for Granada in Spain’s second tier. His career includes appearances for Madrid’s senior team, La Liga experience with Rayo Vallecano, and spells with Eibar before moving to Andalusia in 2024.
The switch reflects his deep family ties, as his father Zinedine Zidane — widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history — was the son of Algerian immigrants from the Kabylie region.
While Zinedine Zidane delivered France glory with two goals in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, his son Luca has chosen to honour his Algerian roots by donning the green of the Desert Foxes.
If Algeria secures qualification, Luca could soon be carrying the Zidane name onto the world stage once again — this time under a different flag.
