CORDOBA, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Luca Zidane of Granada CF gestures during the Spanish league, LaLiga Hypermotion, football match played between Cordoba CF and Granada CF at Nuevo Arcangel stadium on March 2, 2025, in Cordoba, Spain. (Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Luca Zidane, son of legend Zinedine Zidane, opts to represent Algeria instead of France

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane Commits International Future to Algeria

By Emmanuel Austin Baah On Sep 20, 2025

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, has formally pledged his international allegiance to Algeria.

FIFA confirmed on Friday that the 27-year-old’s change of association had been approved via its “Change of Association Platform,” making him eligible to represent the Fennecs in forthcoming competitions.

Born in Marseille, Zidane progressed through France’s youth ranks, representing the nation from U16 to U20 level and lifting the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2015. However, opportunities with the senior side failed to materialise, prompting him to embrace his Algerian roots through his paternal grandparents.

His decision arrives at a pivotal moment for Algeria. Head coach Vladimir Petković is preparing his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (21 December – 18 January) while also guiding their qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zidane’s inclusion will intensify competition for the number one jersey.

Currently contracted to Granada in Spain’s La Liga 2, Zidane began the season as first-choice goalkeeper before an ankle injury in March threatened his place. Nonetheless, his experience across Spain’s top two divisions, coupled with his pedigree, renders him a significant addition to the national set-up.

The move also extends the Zidane family’s enduring footballing legacy. Luca’s younger brother, Elyaz, was recently called up by France for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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