In a heartfelt revelation that bridges family legacy and international football, Luca Zidane has detailed the profound familial encouragement behind his decision to represent Algeria on the global stage. The son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, Luca made the significant switch from French junior teams to Algeria’s senior squad at age 27, a choice he attributes to deep-rooted cultural ties and his grandfather’s unwavering support.
Zinedine Zidane, celebrated for leading France to 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 glory, fully endorsed his son’s autonomous decision. Luca recounted his father’s advice: ‘Be careful, this is your choice. I can give you advice, but the final decision is yours.’ This paternal guidance came after outreach from Algeria’s coach and federation president, which solidified Luca’s commitment to honor his Algerian heritage.
The goalkeeper, who plays for Spain’s Granada CF after beginning his career at Real Madrid, has become Algeria’s first-choice keeper. His father witnessed his competitive debut for the Desert Foxes in their 3-0 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Sudan, where Luca made a crucial save to preserve a narrow lead.
Luca emphasized that his grandfather’s pride remains a driving force, stating that each international call-up prompts celebratory calls from his elder relative. In a poignant tribute, Luca has opted to wear ‘Zidane’ on his national team jersey—a departure from his club custom of using ‘Luca’—specifically to honor his grandfather’s legacy and their shared Algerian identity.