Luca Zidane honours grandfather with Algeria switch

Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup-winning legend Zinedine Zidane, says his grandfather inspired his decision to switch international allegiance from France to Algeria.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Granada in Spain, made his debut for Algeria in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group E match against Sudan, a 3-0 victory watched by his father.

Family influence

“When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. Since childhood, we’ve had this Algerian culture in the family,” Zidane told BeIN Sports France.

“I spoke to him before playing for the national team, and he was extremely happy about this step. Every time I receive an international call-up, he calls me and says that I made a great decision and that he is proud of me.”

Zidane added that his father also backed the move. “He supported me. He said to me: ‘Be careful, this is your choice. I can give you advice, but in the end, the final decision will be yours.’”

A surprise switch

Zidane represented France at youth level but chose to avoid comparisons with his father by playing as a goalkeeper. His decision to switch allegiance at 27 came as a surprise, but he has quickly established himself as Algeria’s first-choice keeper under coach Vladimir Petković.

Against Sudan, he was rarely tested but made a crucial save from Yaser Awad with the score at 1-0.

Carrying the Zidane name

Zinedine Zidane, widely regarded as one of the greatest French footballers, inspired France to their first World Cup triumph in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, and added the Euro 2000 title two years later. He also won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002 and the Ballon d’Or in 1998.

His son has always worn a shirt bearing the name “Luca” at club level, but for Algeria he has chosen to carry the family name.

“So for me, being able to honour my grandfather by joining the national team is very important,” he said. “The next jersey with the name on it will be for him.”