Luca Zidane Opens Up on Choosing Algeria Over France

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane has explained why he chose to represent Algeria instead of France at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 26-year-old, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, made his senior debut for the North African side against Sudan. Zidane said the decision was personal and influenced by his late grandfather. “My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria… He wanted me to be proud of my origins,” he told CAFOnline.

He added that his famous father fully supported the move, saying, “My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction…” Zidane also praised his family’s presence at AFCON, noting it gives him “even more strength to defend Algeria’s colours.”