Why Does Luca Zidane Play for Algeria? Son of French Great Zinedine Zidane Is Starting Goalie for African Side
The 28-year-old recovered from a fractured jaw and severe concussion after a late-April collision with Almeria’s Thalys.
- On Wednesday, Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane started the opening World Cup match against Argentina wearing a protective face mask to shield a previous injury.
- Although he represented France at the U17 level and became a European champion by saving three penalties against Belgium, Zidane chose to represent Algeria in 2025 due to his paternal grandparents' heritage.
- Following a collision with Almeria player Thalys in late April, the goalkeeper suffered a fractured jaw, chin, and severe concussion that nearly prevented him from competing in the tournament.
- Since making his international debut in October 2025 during a World Cup qualifier against Uganda, where he played all 90 minutes in Algeria's 2-1 victory, Zidane has earned seven appearances under manager Vladimir Petkovic.
- Broadcasts frequently reference his father, Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager and French soccer player sold to Real Madrid for €73.5 million in 2001, whose career ended with a headbutt against Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup Final.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Due to a serious injury, Luca Zidane's World Cup bet was questionable for a long time. He was able to play – but scored several times.
Who is Luca Zidane? French great Zinedine Zidane's son steps into the spotlight with Algeria at World Cup
Zinedine Zidane's son, Luca, is carving his own path, now representing Algeria on the World Cup stage. Despite a recent jaw injury, the goalkeeper made a strong return, though his team faced a tough opening loss against Lionel Messi's record-breaking Argentina. Luca's journey highlights a blend of family legacy and personal ambition.
When Algeria calls for Argentina at the World Cup opening night, a prominent name emerges: Zidane! Luca, offspring of Zinedine Zidane, is the goalkeeper of the North Africans. To participate in the final round he had to fear! 20 years ago Zinedine Zidane said goodbye to Italy in the World Cup final in 2006 with a head-to-head kick against Marco Materazzi in the extension of the big football stage. The title was secured by the Squadra Azzurra in …
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