In a move blending football legacy with national pride, Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of French legend Zinédine Zidane, has received his first call-up to the Algerian national team, potentially helping the side secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Luca Zidane, who previously represented France at youth levels, had his change of national eligibility officially approved by FIFA last month. Qualifying for Algeria through his father’s heritage—Zinédine Zidane’s parents emigrated from the Kabylie region—the goalkeeper is one of three shot-stoppers named by coach Vladimir Petkovic for the crucial upcoming qualifiers.
The call-up comes at a pivotal time. Algeria leads its qualifying group and needs just one victory from its final two matches against Somalia and Uganda to book its place at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Luca Zidane’s inclusion adds depth to a squad on the verge of returning to the global stage for the first time since 2014.
The decision marks a defining moment for the Zidane family. While his father, Zinédine, led France to World Cup glory in 1998, Luca now has the opportunity to build his own international legacy with Algeria.
Currently playing for Granada in Spain’s second division, the goalkeeper brings experience from Real Madrid’s academy and La Liga, positioning him as a valuable addition to Algeria’s World Cup campaign.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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