Elyaz Zidane helps Red Star start strongly while carving out his own identity

Elyaz Zidane made an eye-catching start to the new Ligue 2 season by helping Red Star beat Nantes in their opening match, providing the decisive assist as he began his bid to establish himself away from the weight of his famous family name.

The 20-year-old started in defence and delivered a composed performance marked by physical resilience and tactical discipline. His contribution was rewarded in the 66th minute, when he met the ball with a precise header and directed it into the path of team-mate Kevin Cabral, who finished to give Red Star victory in their first competitive test of the campaign.

The result gave Zidane an immediate opportunity to demonstrate his ability on the French football stage, having previously developed his career in Spain.

A new chapter in France

Zidane joined Red Star during the most recent summer transfer window after leaving Spanish club Real Betis. The move represents his first genuine experience of playing in French football.

He began his career in the academy of Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious youth systems in the game. In 2024, he moved to Real Betis, where his appearances were limited to the reserve side and he did not receive the opportunity to compete for the club’s first team.

His switch to Red Star therefore offers the young defender a fresh platform and the chance to play a more prominent role in senior football. His first appearance suggested he is ready to take on that responsibility, with his defensive display complemented by a significant attacking contribution.

Choosing “Elyaz” over “Zidane”

Zidane has also taken a deliberate step to separate his playing identity from that of his father, Zinedine Zidane, the new manager of France.

The defender wears the number 15 shirt with “Elyaz” displayed on the back rather than the celebrated family name. The decision appears designed to reduce the intense attention that follows the Zidane name and allow him to develop without constant comparisons with his father.

French newspaper L’Equipe views the choice as both a practical and symbolic move. It reflects a desire to build an independent professional career while creating some distance from the unavoidable comparisons with one of football’s most famous figures. It may also give the player greater room to work away from the considerable media pressure surrounding his family.

Red Star, who are based in Seine-Saint-Denis to the north of the French capital, have adopted a similarly guarded approach since his arrival.

Manager Damien Berenil has avoided mentioning Zidane by name at recent news conferences. Instead, he has directed attention towards other new arrivals, including goalkeeper Yannis Benchaouch, in an apparent effort to prevent excessive focus falling on the defender.

That policy provides a protective barrier around the club’s new player, helping to preserve his privacy and limit the effect of public and media curiosity on his concentration. It also allows him to focus on improving his game and settling into his new surroundings alongside his team-mates.

Although Zidane remains at an early stage of his senior career, his first Red Star performance offered encouraging signs. His tactical maturity and confidence appeared to exceed what might be expected from a player of his age, making him one of the names to watch during the current Ligue 2 season.