Back to African roots: Zidane's son set to debut for Algeria
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 03.10.25. | 16:15
Granada custodian, Luca Zidane, the second son of legendary Zinedine, was called up for the Desert Foxes' upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes
Even though born in France, Zinedine Zidane never hid his Algerian roots. His parents, Smail and Malika, immigrated to Paris back in 1953 before the Algerian War, while the popular Zizou was born in Marseille. Still, despite his origins, he opted for the France national team, with which he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 EURO.
Nevertheless, Zidane's second son, Luca, will get back to his family's roots, as he was included in Algeria's squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Somalia (October 9, 19.00) and Uganda (October 14, 19.00).
Zinedine Zidane's son Luca has been called up by Algeria for the first time, with the team close to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America 🧤🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/JGOttw6CsC
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 2, 2025
The custodian moved through Real Madrid's youth categories, played for the Los Blancos' B team, and made two appearances for the senior squad. Except for the club from Santiago Bernabeu, he played for Racing Santander (loan), Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and Granada, whose jersey he currently wears.
This season wasn't that good for him or the club, as he kept only one clean sheet in six matches, while Granada sit at the bottom of the La Liga 2 table.
Either way, Luca's form seemed to have been good enough for the Algeria boss, Vladimir Petkovic, who decided to give him a chance.
Just like the 27-year-old, his three brothers, Enzo (who retired), Theo, and Elyaz, were members of Real Madrid and France youth categories, but Luca was the first one to make this "drastic" move and switch national team allegiance. We'll see if any of the remaining Zidanes follow in his footsteps.
