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Why does Luca Zidane play for Algeria? Son of French great Zinedine Zidane is starting goalie for African side originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While many remember Zinedine Zidane as one of France's most notable players, his son, Luca, is the goalkeeper for Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
Many viewers were quick to pick up on the Zidane name on the back of the goalkeeper's kit, and the broadcast has brought up the former Real Madrid manager's fatherhood to the Algerian goalie. How come Luca is able to play for Algeria despite his father playing for France's national team for his whole career?
Here's why Zinedine Zidane's son is guarding the net for Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
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Why does Luca Zidane play for Algeria?
Zidane plays for Algeria due to his father's parents being born in Algeria. The goalkeeper was born in France and lived in Spain for the majority of his life, due to his father's career at Real Madrid beginning in 2001 and his position as Real Madrid's manager during the 2010s.
“We’ve lived in an Algerian culture since we were small,” Zidane said, according to The Athletic. “It’s an honor to play for Algeria. The final decision was mine, but I spoke with my family, my parents, my brothers, my grandfather. My father was happy, he knew it was something I wanted to do. To be able to play in a World Cup is a dream for any kid.”
Zidane, who is 28 years old, made his international debut for Algeria in October. A few months later, he suited up for the Africa Cup of Nations, where Algeria lost in the quarter-finals against Nigeria on January 10.
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