Elyaz Zidane refuses to rush decision on Algeria international future

Elyaz Zidane has refused to commit to representing Algeria at international level, saying he wants to concentrate on his development at French club Red Star before making a decision about his future.

The 20-year-old defender, the youngest son of former France captain Zinedine Zidane, has emerged as a potential option for Algeria, following his older brother Luca’s decision to represent the North African country.

However, Elyaz has stopped short of indicating whether he intends to follow the same path, insisting that his immediate priority is to improve his performances on the pitch.

Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien on Friday, the young centre-back was asked whether he could represent Algeria, having previously played for France at youth level.

“Growing up close to this environment and attending major finals with my father, you dream of experiencing these emotions. At 20, anything is possible. I refuse to put pressure on myself and I prefer to focus on the pitch. My only goal right now is to give everything for Red Star, to improve and to help my team win. The rest is yet to be written.”

His response leaves the possibility of representing Algeria open but offers no clear indication that he intends to switch international allegiance.

Algeria have monitored the defender, with interest in his international future coming into focus in March. His brother Luca, who also represented France at youth level, has already chosen to play for the Fennecs.

Elyaz Zidane’s experience with France youth teams

Unlike Luca, Elyaz has built an extensive record with France’s youth national teams.

The defender was part of the French squad that won the European Under-17 Championship in 2022 before reaching the final of the European Under-19 Championship in 2024.

He also featured at the Under-20 World Cup in 2025 and has collected 46 appearances across France’s various youth categories.

Those experiences have given him considerable exposure to international football, although his senior international future remains undecided.

Red Star move offers chance to develop

Elyaz spent more than a decade at Real Madrid, joining the club’s academy, La Fábrica, in 2013.

He moved to Real Betis in January 2024, where he played for the club’s reserve side before returning to France during the summer to sign for Red Star in Ligue 2.

The move has provided the 1.96m defender with an opportunity to gain experience in French professional football and establish himself at senior level.

He has started seven of Red Star’s first eight matches of the season, contributing to the club’s strong start as they remain near the top of the Ligue 2 table.

His height, left foot and ability to distribute the ball make him a useful option at centre-back, particularly in a position where left-footed defenders are highly valued.

Zidane determined to forge his own career

Playing under the shadow of a famous surname presents another challenge for the young defender.

As the fourth son of Zinedine Zidane, Elyaz has grown up around elite football and has watched his father experience some of the sport’s biggest occasions. His father is also now coach of the France national team.

Despite that background, Elyaz appears determined to establish himself through his own performances rather than allow speculation about his international future to distract him.

For now, the defender is keeping his options open as he focuses on his first season with Red Star. He has made no commitment to Algeria or France at senior level and wants to continue developing before deciding which country he will represent in the future.