Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane, has officially changed his international allegiance from France to Algeria. The decision, approved by FIFA, marks a significant shift in Zidane’s career and could pave the way for him to represent Algeria in the 2026 World Cup. Born just outside Marseille, Luca had previously represented France at various youth levels but now qualifies for Algeria through his father’s heritage. Zinedine Zidane’s parents hailed from the Kabylie region of Algeria, providing Luca with the eligibility to make the switch. Currently playing for Granada in Spain’s second tier, Luca has had a varied career, including brief stints at Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. His move to Algeria comes as the national team prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Somalia next month, with hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 finals in North America. Luca is the second of four brothers, all of whom trained at Real Madrid’s academy, continuing the Zidane family’s legacy in football. His father, Zinedine, is celebrated as one of the game’s greatest players, famously scoring twice in France’s 1998 World Cup final victory over Brazil. Luca’s decision to represent Algeria adds a new chapter to the Zidane family’s storied football history.
