Luca Zidane Starts for Algeria in Rabat as Father Zinedine Watches On

Granada goalkeeper Luca Zidane started for the Algerian national team in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group E qualifier against Sudan, held at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. This marked the 27-year-old goalkeeper's second appearance for Algeria, having previously played in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda, which Algeria won 2-1. Zidane's inclusion in the starting lineup came due to an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.

Luca Zidane had switched his sporting nationality to Algeria last September, based on his paternal grandparents' origins. His legendary father, Zinedine Zidane, attended the match alongside his wife Véronique and sons Théo and Elyaz. Zinedine received a warm ovation from the crowd in the 23rd minute of the game.

In an interview with beIN Sports, Luca Zidane stated that his father had been supportive, adding that Zinedine told him: "It's your choice, I can give you advice, but after the final decision, it's up to you to make it."

Luca also expressed his grandfather Ismaël Zidane's pride in him, saying: "Algeria, I immediately think of my grandfather." He added: "He is proud of me. To be able to make him proud by joining the national team, that is very important to me. The next jersey with the name on it, is for him."

For his part, coach Vladimir Petković praised Zidane's ability to "rebuild play from the back, to be the eleventh player, and to bring the qualities of a goalkeeper to the team."

Luca Zidane concluded his remarks by stating: "In Africa, there is no easy match." The match also saw Riyad Mahrez score an early goal for the Algerian national team.