Algiers, October 6, 2025 — In a move that beautifully intertwines football heritage and national identity, Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old son of French football icon Zinédine Zidane, has officially joined the Algerian national team. His inclusion comes as Algeria inches closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reigniting pride and emotion among fans across North Africa and the global Algerian diaspora.
Luca’s call-up was confirmed on Sunday by Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who named the Granada CF goalkeeper among three shot-stoppers for the team’s final two qualifying matches. The announcement comes after FIFA approved Luca Zidane’s change of national eligibility last month, allowing him to represent Algeria despite his previous appearances for France’s youth teams.
A Heritage Reclaimed
Luca Zidane’s decision marks a deeply personal and symbolic moment for the Zidane family. His father, Zinédine Zidane, remains one of football’s most celebrated figures — a World Cup winner, former France captain, and Ballon d’Or recipient. Yet, behind that legacy lies a proud Algerian heritage rooted in the Kabylie region of northern Algeria, where his parents emigrated from before settling in Marseille, France.
By donning the green and white of Algeria, Luca Zidane is effectively reconnecting with the ancestral roots that shaped his father’s early life and values. Football commentators have described the move as a “full-circle moment” for the Zidane family, representing both legacy and identity.
“Playing for Algeria is a way of honouring where we come from,” Luca reportedly told Algerian outlet El Heddaf TV. “My father has always spoken about his love for the country and what it means to our family. For me, this is not just football — it’s something from the heart.”
Algeria on the Brink of Qualification
The timing of Luca Zidane’s arrival could not be more significant. Algeria currently sits at the top of its CAF World Cup qualifying group, needing only one victory from its last two fixtures — against Somalia and Uganda — to seal a place at the 2026 tournament in North America.
The Desert Foxes are eager to return to the global stage for the first time since 2014, when they memorably reached the round of 16 before falling to eventual champions Germany. After the disappointment of missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the current campaign has been seen as a resurgence — combining experienced stars with a new generation of talent eager to make history.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic, known for his tactical discipline and player development skills, praised Luca’s inclusion as both “a sporting decision and a statement of confidence.”
“Luca Zidane brings experience from Europe’s top academies and leagues,” Petkovic said. “He understands pressure, he has great composure, and he represents the identity and passion that define Algerian football.”
From Madrid to Algiers: Luca’s Football Journey
Born in Marseille, France, in 1998, Luca Zidane grew up under the towering shadow of his father’s fame but carved his own path in goalkeeping. He joined Real Madrid’s youth academy at age six, developing under one of the most competitive football systems in the world.
After years of progression, he made his professional debut for Real Madrid Castilla in 2016 and later appeared briefly for the senior side. Subsequent stints with Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, and now Granada CF in Spain’s Segunda División have shaped him into a technically proficient and mentally resilient goalkeeper.
While he may not yet have reached the star status of his father, Luca’s career trajectory has been marked by perseverance and quiet determination. His command of the penalty area, strong reflexes, and leadership on the pitch have made him a respected figure among his peers.
A Growing Trend of Dual-National Players
Luca Zidane’s switch to Algeria reflects a growing pattern among players of dual nationality, particularly those with North African heritage who choose to represent their ancestral countries over European ones.
Over the years, Algeria has benefited from this dynamic, recruiting talents such as Riyad Mahrez, Ismaël Bennacer, and Said Benrahma, all of whom were born or raised in Europe but opted to play for the Desert Foxes.
“Algeria continues to be a nation of identity and belonging,” said football historian Dr. Karim Bensalem. “Many players of Algerian descent grow up feeling connected to their roots. Luca Zidane’s case stands out because of who his father is — but it’s part of a much larger story about heritage, pride, and representation.”
The Zidane Legacy and Algerian Pride
Zinédine Zidane has long been a national hero in France but also a figure of deep pride in Algeria. His humility, respect for his origins, and advocacy for unity and tolerance have earned him admiration across generations.
Though he never played for the Algerian national team, Zidane has frequently acknowledged his family’s Kabyle roots. In a 2005 interview, he famously said, “I am proud of my Algerian blood, and my parents never let me forget where we came from.”
For many Algerians, Luca’s decision symbolizes a poetic continuation of that legacy — a son representing the land of his grandparents on football’s grandest stage. Social media platforms across Algeria were flooded with messages of support and excitement following the announcement, with fans calling it “a dream fulfilled” and “a moment of destiny.”
Eyes on the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, increasing Africa’s slots from five to nine. For Algeria, qualification would mark not only a sporting achievement but also a symbolic victory — reclaiming a place among the continent’s football giants.
Should the Desert Foxes qualify, Luca Zidane’s participation would add a compelling narrative to the tournament — one of legacy, redemption, and cultural pride.
“Every player dreams of the World Cup,” Luca said during his first press conference with the Algerian team. “If I can help Algeria return to that stage, it would be an honour for me, my family, and my country.”
A New Chapter Begins
As Algeria prepares for its decisive qualifiers later this month, anticipation continues to build. Luca Zidane’s arrival injects both talent and emotional resonance into a squad already rich with ambition.
For the young goalkeeper, the journey is about more than football — it’s about identity, gratitude, and the pursuit of belonging.
In the words of one Algerian fan outside the team’s training base in Sidi Moussa, “Zinédine made us dream in blue. Now, Luca will make us dream in green.”
If Algeria triumphs in the coming weeks, their qualification will not only mark a return to football’s biggest stage — but also the beginning of a new chapter in one of sport’s most enduring family legacies.
Reported by Africa Live News – Sports Desk
