Morocco 2025: Zidane watches proudly as son Luca makes AFCON debut for Algeria

Football legend Zinedine Zidane was spotted in the stands in Rabat on Wednesday as he watched Algeria play Sudan at the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations.

Zidane was there to support his son, Luca Zidane, who started as a goalkeeper for Algeria in the Group E match.

Luca, who plays for Spanish club Granada, recently changed his international loyalty from France to Algeria and made his AFCON debut in the game.

Luca had earlier represented France at the youth level but chose to play for Algeria, the country of his family’s roots. He made his first appearance for Algeria in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda last October.

Speaking earlier, Luca said playing for Algeria was emotional for him.

He explained that Algerian culture has always been part of his family and that he thought of his grandfather when he decided to join the national team.

During the match against Sudan, Luca put in a calm and confident performance, dealing comfortably with the few chances created by the Sudanese team.

Algeria won the match 3–0, with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice.

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic praised Luca after the game, saying the goalkeeper gave the team confidence and played well, especially considering it was one of his first matches with the national side.

Luca Zidane is now seen as a possible long-term replacement for veteran goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi, who has been Algeria’s first choice for many years.