Luca Zidane Chooses to Represent Algeria After FIFA Approval
Recent French media reports indicate that Luca Zidane, goalkeeper for Granada and son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, has settled his international future by choosing to represent the Algerian national team instead of France, following the approval of his request to change his sporting nationality by FIFA.
The newspaper “L’Équipe” reported that the decision was officially confirmed on Friday, allowing the 26-year-old goalkeeper to defend the colors of the “Fennecs.” Luca has Algerian roots through his father, Zinedine Zidane, whose ancestry traces back to the Kabylie region, enabling him to take advantage of the regulations governing the change of sporting allegiance.
Previously, Luca had worn the French youth national team jersey on two occasions in 2018, necessitating formal procedures before he could join the Algerian national team.
Zidane is expected to be part of the options for the Algerian national coach during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, as the “Fennecs” begin their campaign against Somalia next month, with strong indications that he will also be included in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
On the club level, Luca Zidane began his career in the Real Madrid academy before experiencing stints with Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, and Eibar, currently playing for Granada, where he has been performing well.
By moving to the “Fennecs,” Luca takes a significant step with substantial symbolic meaning, as he is the son of one of the most prominent Algerian players in the history of world football.
