Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup legend Zinedine Zidane, has switched his international allegiance to Algeria, FIFA confirmed on Friday.
The 27-year-old, who previously represented France at youth level, received approval through FIFA’s Change of Association platform, making him eligible to play for Algeria in upcoming competitions, including World Cup qualifiers.
Zidane currently plays for Granada in Spain’s second division and has past La Liga experience with Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. He is the second of four Zidane brothers, all of whom came through Real Madrid’s academy system.
Algeria has rotated heavily in its goalkeeping department over the past year, using four different keepers. Current first-choice Alexis Guendouz has been joined at times by Oussama Benbot, Anthony Mandrea, and Alexandre Oukidja. Zidane’s arrival is seen as an effort to strengthen the squad ahead of key international fixtures.
While he made only two appearances for Real Madrid, Zidane has built a steady career in Spain’s professional leagues and could now follow in his father’s footsteps by representing a nation at the World Cup — though this time in Algerian colors.
