Luca Zidane, goalkeeper for Granada in the Spanish Second Division, decided to represent Algeria instead of France. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, son of Zinedine Zidane, has received FIFA's authorization to change his sporting nationality, according to French newspaper L'Equipe.

Trained at Real Madrid, Luca played for France at the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 levels. He was never called up to the senior team, where he became a starter from Hugo Lloris to Mike Maignan in recent years. That lack of space led him to opt for the national team of his family origins.

His decision comes at a key moment, as Algeria prepares to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026. The goalkeeper could be considered by coach Vladimir Petkovic for the continental tournament.

Career in Spain and outlook in the Algerian goalkeeper

Luca Zidane spent his entire career in Spanish football. After coming through the youth ranks of Real Madrid, he played for Racing de Santander, Rayo Vallecano, and Eibar. His best spell was with the Basque club, where he made 77 appearances and kept 27 clean sheets between 2020 and 2024.

He currently plays for Granada. He arrived in 2024, but a knee injury complicated his start. I finished last season with minutes and started this one as a starter. However, he conceded 10 goals in four matches and lost his place in the fifth matchday against Leganes.

Algeria's goalkeeper has no fixed owner. Alexis Guendouz of MC Alger has been a starter in recent matches. Anthony Mandrea defended the goal at the 2024 African Cup of Nations, but the team was eliminated in the group stage. Other goalkeepers such as Oussama Benbot and Alexandre Oukidja have also rotated in the position.