Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane has revealed the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to represent the North African nation at international level.
The 26-year-old, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, made his senior debut for Algeria in their opening match of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Sudan and marked the occasion with an assured clean sheet in a commanding 3–0 victory.
Speaking to CAFOnline after the match, Zidane said his choice was inspired by his late grandfather, who urged him to embrace his roots and wear Algeria’s colours with pride.
“My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria. He wanted me to be proud of my origins, and I wanted to honour him,” Zidane explained.
He also revealed that his father played a supportive but non-influential role in the decision-making process.
“My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction.”
Zidane further highlighted the importance of family support, admitting that their presence at the tournament has given him added motivation.
“It’s really nice that he came with my brother,” Luca said. “I’ve always had my family’s support, and seeing them here at AFCON gives me even more strength to defend Algeria’s colours,” he added.
Following an impressive start to their AFCON campaign, Zidane and the Desert Foxes must now shift their attention to their next Group challenge against Burkina Faso on Sunday in Rabat.
The Burkinabè head into the encounter brimming with confidence after a pulsating 2–1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Matchday One and are expected to pose a stern test for the Algerians.
