Luca Zidane fires back at critics after choosing to represent Algeria ahead of World Cup

All eyes will be on Turin this Tuesday evening, as the Algeria national team faces Uruguay in a highly anticipated friendly match.

The game serves as part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.

For goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the second son of legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane, participating in the World Cup is no longer a dream; it is now within reach.

Born in Marseille, Luca officially switched his sporting nationality to Algeria last September, after years representing France at youth level. Since then, he has earned the trust of coach Vladimir Petkovic, who was seeking fresh talent in the goalkeeping position.

Luca impressed during the recent African Cup of Nations, boosting his chances of becoming Algeria’s starting goalkeeper at the World Cup. Yet, despite his promising start, some critics labeled his decision as “opportunistic,” suggesting he chose Algeria only after France was no longer an option.

A Strong Defense of His Choice

In a candid interview with Onze Mondial magazine, Zidane fired back at his detractors.

“Our connection to Algeria and our love for it are indescribable. Some might think we’ve lived in France or Spain our whole lives, but we’ve been immersed in Algerian culture since childhood, thanks to our grandparents who passed this love on to us,” he said.

He added, “I have always thought about representing Algeria, and talking to the coach and the federation was a natural step. The feeling I get when I wear the national team jersey and hear the national anthem is unbelievable. It is a great honour.”

Fitting in with the Warriors

Zidane has quickly found his footing within the “Warriors” dressing room. He praised the team spirit and the support from his teammates, singling out Yassine Benzia for helping him integrate seamlessly into the squad.

He also expressed admiration for the technical skills of players like Ismaël Bennacer, Ramy Bensebaini, and Ilan Kebbal, highlighting the special “chemistry” he shares with them on the pitch.

With the World Cup approaching, Luca Zidane’s decision to represent Algeria seems to be paying off, both for his career and for the team, as he continues to make his mark in the national setup.