Zidane’s son snubs France, chooses to play for Algeria

Luca Zidane, the son of French World Cup legend Zinedine Zidane, has decided to switch his international football allegiance from France to Algeria.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, born near Marseille, had previously played for France at youth level.

FIFA has approved the switch, which means he could represent Algeria at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Algeria are close to qualifying, with a key match against Somalia next month.

Luca is the second of four Zidane brothers, all of whom came through Real Madrid’s academy.

He made his professional debut for Madrid in the 2017–18 season and later played for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. In 2022, he moved down a division to join Eibar before signing with Granada in 2024, where he currently plays.

Through his father’s family, who came from the Kabylie region of Algeria, Luca qualifies to represent the North African nation.

Zinedine Zidane is remembered as one of the greatest footballers in history.

He scored twice in France’s 1998 World Cup final win over Brazil and later played in the 2006 final, where he was sent off before Italy won on penalties