Key Highlights
- Zinédine Zidane’s son, Luca, is making a strong impression in the African Cup of Nations.
- Luka has been named Algeria’s goalkeeper and has achieved two clean sheets so far in the tournament.
- The Zidane family, including four sons who have played professional football, are supporting Algeria at Afcon.
- Luca’s achievements may bring a sense of pride to his grandfather, Smail, who was born in Algeria.
Zinedine Zidane’s Son Steps Out of Dad’s Shadow at African Cup of Nations
RABAT, Morocco – As football fans across the globe celebrate the festive season with matches and tournaments, one family continues to make waves on the international stage. The Zidane clan, known for their illustrious careers in the beautiful game, is once again finding success at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Luca Zidane: A Goalkeeper’s Journey
Luka Zidane, 27, has emerged as a key player for Algeria. Born to football royalty, Luka’s journey to becoming an Algerian international is a testament to his own skill and perseverance. His father, Zinédine Zidane, a former world champion and Real Madrid coach, set the highest standards in both playing and coaching.
After representing France at youth levels alongside his brothers Theo, Elyaz, and older brother Enzo, Luka chose to explore his Algerian heritage. With support from the Algerian Football Federation, he secured international recognition and began his senior career with Algeria.
A Perfect Tournament Start
So far, Luka has delivered an impressive performance. He entered the knockout phase of Afcon without conceding a single goal in his first two matches, earning him 180 minutes of clean sheets. His debut for the national team also coincided with a significant need: the Algerian goalkeeper position was in urgent need of a reliable candidate.
Manager Vladimir Petkovic praised Luka’s confidence and distribution skills, noting that while there have been occasional moments of tension, his shot-stopping has been sound. Luka’s performance thus far has not only earned him respect but also a sense of pride for the country he chose to represent.
The Zidane Legacy
For Luka and his brothers, the path to professional football was far from hidden. They tried to launch their careers incognito by sometimes using their maternal surname, Fernández, during junior club football days. However, their family’s legacy and connections made it difficult to avoid the shadow of their famous father.
Luca’s senior debut under his father’s coaching at Real Madrid was brief but significant, highlighting both the advantages and challenges of playing alongside family members in high-profile clubs.
Despite these hurdles, Luca has carved out a respectable career with lesser-known teams like Eibar and Granada, ultimately earning him a place on the Algerian national team.
For his grandfather Smail, now 90, Luka’s success is not only a source of pride but also a reflection of their family’s deep-rooted connection to Algeria. When Zinédine played for France against Algeria in 2001, the match was abandoned due to crowd hostility, marking a low point in inter-African relations. Now, the younger generation is making amends with Luka’s stellar performance.
With Algeria facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in the knockout stages and relying heavily on Luka’s consistent goalkeeping, the future looks bright for this young goalkeeper. As the tournament progresses, Luka will continue to be watched closely, not just as Zinedine’s son but as a player in his own right.
