World Cup 2026: Luca Zidane explains pressure of carrying his father’s famous name

Luca Zidane has spoken openly about the pressure of being the son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, rejecting claims that his career has been built only because of his family name.

The Algeria goalkeeper discussed his journey, his decision to represent the Fennecs and the challenges of growing up under constant attention during an interview with Spanish podcast Los Amigos de Edu, shortly before Algeria’s opening match against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane, who was born in France and raised in Spain, explained that his decision to play for Algeria was strongly connected to his family roots and his grandfather’s heritage.

“I was born in France, I grew up in Spain, but the reason I chose to play for Algeria is my grandfather’s heritage. Since I was little, there has been an Algerian culture in my family.”

The goalkeeper also spoke about the different roles played by his parents throughout his career. While his father has always been connected to football, Luca explained that Zinedine Zidane has rarely intervened in his decisions as a player.

“Criticism has always been there for me. My father, as a coach, never gave me advice. We talk a lot about football, but not with my father.”

He added: “My father doesn’t interfere with what you have to do. My mother does. With my mother, you come home after a match and she says to you, ‘Why did you do that?’ Always. My father, very rarely.”

The Algeria international also revealed that he turned to mental coaching to help him handle the demands of professional football and improve his psychological preparation.

“I started working with a mental coach. I’ve never talked about it. For me, it’s changed my life. Especially in football. Because I think that today, it’s just as important to be mentally well as physically.”

Luca Zidane admitted that criticism linked to his surname has followed him throughout his career, but he said he has learned to accept it while making clear that his achievements are the result of his own work.

“It’s part of my life, I’ve accepted it and I’m used to it. And I don’t mind being told I’m Zidane’s son. What does bother me, however, is being told that everything I achieve is thanks to my father.”

He continued: “But otherwise, whether people tell me I’m Zidane’s son or that my father is Zidane, I’m happy about it. But it’s normal, criticism is part of life. It’s normal that people who don’t know me think: ‘He got ahead through connections, everything is already laid out for him in life.’”

Zidane said he remains determined to prove himself and show that his career has been built through his own efforts rather than his family connections.