Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane has revealed the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to represent the North African nation at the international level.
The 26-year-old, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, made his senior debut for Algeria at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the occasion with a clean sheet in a commanding 3–0 victory over Sudan.
Speaking to CAFOnline after the match, Zidane said his choice was shaped by family ties, particularly the influence of his late grandfather.
“My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria. He wanted me to be proud of my origins, and I wanted to honour him,” Zidane said.
“My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction.”
He also credited his father for allowing him the freedom to make his own decision. “My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction,” he added.
Zidane admitted the presence of his family at the tournament has been a source of motivation.
“It’s really nice that he came with my brother,” Luca said. “I’ve always had my family’s support, and seeing them here at AFCON gives me even more strength to defend Algeria’s colours,” he added.
After an impressive start to their campaign, Zidane and Algeria must now shift their attention to their next Group challenge against Burkina Faso on Sunday in Rabat.
The Burkinabè head into the fixture buoyed by a dramatic 2–1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Matchday One and are expected to provide a stern test.
