Nearly twenty years have passed since the unforgettable moment in Berlin when Zinedine Zidane ended his playing career with a dramatic headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final. That incident became one of the most infamous moments in football history, overshadowing a career filled with brilliance, artistry, and trophies.
Now, in a surprising twist, the Zidane name could return to the World Cup spotlight in 2026. This time, however, it will not be the legendary playmaker himself wearing the national shirt, but his son, Luca Zidane. Even more shocking is that Luca will not represent France like his father, but Algeria—the homeland of his grandparents.
From Real Madrid to Granada: Luca Zidane’s Journey
Born near Marseille in 1998, Luca Zidane grew up under the immense shadow of his father’s legacy. From the age of six, he was enrolled in Real Madrid’s prestigious academy, honing his skills as a goalkeeper rather than following his father’s footsteps as a midfielder. Expectations were sky-high, but Luca steadily carved out his own path.
He played 49 games for Real Madrid Castilla and made two senior appearances between 2017 and 2019. To gain experience, he went out on loan to Racing Santander and later joined Rayo Vallecano. In Spain’s competitive second division, Luca found consistency with Eibar, earning 73 league appearances that proved he had matured into a reliable shot-stopper.
In July 2024, he signed with Granada CF, a move that placed him back in La Liga and gave him the platform to compete against some of the world’s best strikers. At 27 years old, he is now entering the prime years of his career.
A Bold Switch: From France to Algeria
Luca Zidane represented France at youth levels, including the Under-20 team, and many assumed he would aim for a senior call-up to Les Bleus. However, the rise of Mike Maignan and the depth of France’s goalkeeping talent meant that his chances of becoming France’s number one were slim.
Instead of waiting for a chance that might never come, Luca looked to his heritage. His paternal grandparents are Algerian, and with FIFA’s approval, he has officially switched national allegiance.
The Algerian Football Federation announced the news proudly:
“FIFA has officially granted goalkeeper Luca Zinedine Zidane authorisation to represent the Algerian national team.”
On social media, Algeria’s national team warmly welcomed him with the message:
“Luca Zinedine Zidane. New #DesertWarrior. Welcome.”
Algeria’s Path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Algeria currently sits at the top of its qualifying group, four points clear of second-placed Uganda. With the 2026 World Cup set to be staged across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Algeria looks well-positioned to book its ticket to the tournament.
The team has already secured a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, signaling strong momentum under its current setup. If Algeria continues its impressive run, fans could see the Zidane name back on the biggest stage in football.
Fierce Competition for the Goalkeeper Spot
Algeria boasts several talented goalkeepers, including Alexis Guendouz, who recently started in qualifiers against Botswana and Guinea. However, Luca Zidane brings international experience, European training, and a famous last name that could inspire both teammates and fans.
The competition for the starting role will be fierce, but Luca’s arrival gives Algeria additional depth and international exposure. Whether he starts or not, his inclusion in the squad would generate excitement and media attention worldwide.
The Zidane Legacy: A Story of Two Nations
Zinedine Zidane’s relationship with Algeria has always been complex. Born in Marseille to Algerian parents, he represented France, leading them to World Cup glory in 1998 and the Euro 2000 championship. While France embraced him as a national hero, his Algerian roots remained a central part of his identity.
Now, with Luca Zidane choosing Algeria, the family legacy takes a new direction. Instead of continuing the French tradition, Luca’s decision symbolizes a bridge between the two nations and offers Algeria a powerful narrative as they pursue World Cup qualification.
What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
The potential of seeing Luca Zidane in Algeria’s colors at the 2026 World Cup is a fascinating prospect. For Algeria, it means gaining a goalkeeper with top-level European experience. For fans, it reignites discussions about the Zidane legacy and its place in global football.
This story also highlights a broader trend in modern football: players with dual nationalities making bold decisions to represent nations that connect them to their heritage. Luca Zidane’s choice adds another layer to this global narrative, reminding us that international football is not just about sport—it’s about identity, family, and belonging.
A New Chapter for the Zidane Name
As Algeria edges closer to World Cup qualification, the possibility of seeing the Zidane name return to football’s grandest stage becomes increasingly real. Nearly two decades after Zinedine Zidane’s dramatic farewell in Berlin, his son Luca may write his own chapter—this time not with France, but with Algeria.
If Algeria qualifies, fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see whether Luca Zidane can step out of his father’s shadow and create his own legacy.
One thing is certain: the Zidane name continues to captivate football, uniting past glory with future promise.