Was The Decision Emotional Or Strategic? Luca Zidane Reveals The Secret Of His Joining Algeria And His Father’s Position

Goalkeeper Zidane, who decided to play for the Algerian national team last September and played his first international match in October, attributed his decision to the fact that he possesses an “Algerian culture,” explaining the role of his grandfather Ismail in taking this step.

Zidane became the main goalkeeper for the Algerian national team, which is competing in the African Cup of Nations currently being held in Morocco, and the 27-year-old participated as a starter in the match in which the “Desert Warriors” defeated Sudan 3-0 today, Wednesday, in the first round of the fifth group competitions in the continental competition, in a confrontation that witnessed the presence of the legend Zidane to follow his son.

Luca Zidane told the beIN Sports network in an interview published today, Wednesday, “When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. Since childhood, we have had this Algerian culture in the family.

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

Luca Zidane revealed that his family’s reaction to this decision helped him a lot to adapt quickly to his new step, stressing his father’s support for him.

He said, “My father supported me. He told me, ‘Be careful, this is your choice. I can give you advice, but in the end the final decision will be made by you.’”

He added, “Since the coach and the president of the Algerian Federation contacted me, it was clear to me that I should go and represent my country. After that, of course, I spoke with my family and they were all happy for me.”

Granada goalkeeper Luca Zidane previously participated in the Algeria match against Uganda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on October 14, and before that he sat as a substitute against Somalia.

Luca Zidane began his career in the Real Madrid Academy, where he progressed through the club’s youth and junior teams, and trained only with the first team before moving between other Spanish clubs, namely Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and finally Granada.

Source: Agencies