Luca Zidane has emerged as one of the early talking points of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Algeria’s coaching staff placing their trust in him as first-choice goalkeeper and being rewarded with two clean sheets from the opening two matches of the tournament.
Vladimir Petkovic’s decision to hand the number one jersey to the youngest son of Zinedine Zidane initially raised eyebrows, but performances against Sudan and Burkina Faso have largely justified the gamble.
No other goalkeeper in the competition has yet matched his record of back-to-back shutouts, and for long spells he has offered a sense of calm to a defence still finding its rhythm.
The Granada FC keeper’s ability with the ball at his feet has long been cited as one of his main assets, yet his distribution has been inconsistent so far.
Against Burkina Faso in particular, his long passing was erratic, with several restarts failing to find their target.
One misjudged ball in the 29th minute was intercepted by an opponent, a lapse that could easily have been punished at this level.
To his credit, Zidane was attempting to use his weaker left foot, but the moment underlined the risks attached to his style.
There were other moments that highlighted the delicate balance in his game.
On one occasion, he was fortunate to see a shot rebound off his left post shortly before the interval, an episode that suggested he may have been beaten.
At the same time, his command of the goal line has been evident, with a firm intervention in stoppage time, after hesitating to come for a cross, preserving Algeria’s clean sheet.
A more persistent concern lies in the air. At 1.83m, Zidane does not possess the towering frame traditionally associated with dominant goalkeepers, and his reluctance to attack high balls has been noticeable.
Crosses into the area tend to bring hesitation rather than authority, a trait that could be exploited as the tournament progresses.
Yet history offers some reassurance: stature has not always been a barrier to success in Algerian goalkeeping folklore.
What Zidane lacks in height, he attempts to offset with sharp positioning and impressive body awareness.
His reading of the game has been a standout feature, notably when he rushed from his line to smother at the feet of a Sudanese attacker, a moment that spoke of instinct and timing.
He also shows a refined sense of where the ball is likely to travel, often adjusting his stance early and arriving on the line in the right place.
Beyond the technical analysis, there is a visible emotional commitment that resonates.
Speaking about his place in the squad, Luca has said: “it’s a source of pride for me to play in this AFCON. It’s an incredible experience to be able to represent your country. It’s indescribable, it’s magnificent. So I’m very, very happy to be here for this.” That mindset has translated into performances marked by focus and a willingness to shoulder responsibility.
Two matches do not define a tournament, but Luca Zidane has already carved out a role as a stabilising presence in an Algeria side seeking consistency.
If he can refine his distribution and find greater conviction under the high ball, the Fennecs may yet have found a goalkeeper capable of anchoring a serious challenge in Morocco.
