Elyaz Zidane keeps Algeria decision open as Red Star defender focuses on Ligue 2 progress

Elyaz Zidane has refused to commit to representing Algeria, saying he will concentrate on his development with Red Star rather than put pressure on himself over his international future.

The 20-year-old defender was asked by Le Parisien about the possibility of following his older brother Luca Zidane, who chose to play for Algeria after representing France at youth level.

Elyaz stopped short of stating whether he might do the same.

“Growing up so close to this world and attending major finals with my father, you dream of experiencing those emotions yourself,” he said. “At 20, anything is possible. I refuse to put pressure on myself and would rather focus on what happens on the pitch. My only objective at the moment is to give everything for Red Star, improve and help my team win. The rest remains to be written.”

His answer leaves the door open to Algeria, but does not amount to a declaration of intent towards the Fennecs, who monitored him in March.

Unlike Luca, Elyaz already has extensive experience with France’s youth teams. He won the European Under-17 Championship in 2022 and reached the final of the European Under-19 Championship in 2024. He also took part in the 2025 Under-20 World Cup.

In total, the left-footed centre-back has made 46 appearances for France across the various youth age groups.

Establishing himself with Red Star

Elyaz spent more than 10 years at Real Madrid, joining La Fabrica in 2013. He moved to Betis Sevilla in January 2024 and played for the Andalusian club’s reserve side before returning to France this summer to join Red Star in Ligue 2.

The move represents an important stage in the career of the 1.96m defender, who is experiencing French professional football for the first time and aiming to build up regular playing time.

He has started seven of Red Star’s eight matches since the beginning of the season, helping the club maintain a strong position near the top of the Ligue 2 table.

His height, left foot and ability to play out from defence offer valuable qualities in a position where left-footed central defenders are in demand.

Elyaz is also developing under the attention that comes with being the fourth son of Zinedine Zidane, now the France manager. However, he is determined to establish a career separate from his father’s reputation.

For now, he has made no choice between France and Algeria. Instead, Elyaz Zidane is allowing his performances for Red Star to shape the next stage of his career before making a decision on his international future.