A Decision Rooted in Heritage, Pointed at the Future
At 27 years old, Luca Zidane has chosen a path distinct from his father's storied legacy. While Zinedine "Zizou" Zidane led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 1998, his son is now looking south to his ancestral home. His roots lie in the Kabylie region of Algeria, a connection that has clearly remained a source of pride for the family.
The switch required formal approval from FIFA, as Luca had previously represented France at various youth levels, including the Under-20 team. This isn't just a tactical change; it's a profound choice of identity, a decision to honour his family's origins and write his own international story.
A Major Boost for Algeria's Goalkeeping Ranks
Currently playing for Spanish side Granada CF, Luca brings valuable experience from his time in Spain's competitive leagues, including stints with Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and even two first-team appearances for the mighty Real Madrid.
His arrival significantly bolsters Algeria's options between the posts. National team manager Vladimir Petković now has an enhanced selection dilemma, with Luca competing alongside the likes of Moustapha Zeghba, Oussama Benbot, Anthony Mandrea, and Alexandre Oukidja. This added depth and competition is a welcome problem for the Desert Warriors.
A Spiritual Pilgrimage: Umrah and Team Unity
Beyond the pitch, Luca has already begun embedding himself within the fabric of the national team in a deeply meaningful way. He recently performed the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah in Mecca, following in the footsteps of his new teammates.
This spiritual journey, announced by the Algerian Football Federation, came after he had temporarily left the squad due to injury. The act of performing Umrah is a powerful symbol of his personal faith and his commitment to integrating with the Algerian squad, bonding with his new colleagues on a level that transcends sport.
The Road to World Cup 2026 Begins Now
With the formalities complete, the real work begins. Luca Zidane is now eligible to join the Algerian squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off with a match against Somalia next month.
The narrative is set for a compelling new chapter. His father famously lifted the World Cup for France. Now, Luca Zidane has the opportunity to carve out his own piece of history by helping Algeria, the land of his forefathers, reach the global stage. His journey—from the training grounds of France to the holy sites of Mecca and, potentially, to the World Cup stadiums of 2026—is a captivating story of heritage, faith, and footballing ambition.