Algeria’s National Team Gains a New Guardian – and a Family Legacy Deepens
Luca Zidane, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, has been called up to the Algerian national team, igniting excitement across the country and adding a poignant layer to a decades-long connection between the Zidane family and Algeria. The goalkeeper’s potential debut with the “fennecs” represents not only a promising addition to the team, but a continuation of a familial narrative rooted in Algerian heritage.
The call-up resonates deeply given Zinedine Zidane’s own algerian roots – his parents emigrated to France from algeria in the 1950s. While Zinedine famously represented France on the world stage, his commitment to his children charting their own paths has now paved the way for Luca to embrace his Algerian identity through football. “I want my children to live their lives,” Zinedine Zidane told L’Équipe on the occasion of his 50th birthday. “I want them to be happy. They are the ones who manage their careers. When they want to talk, I am of course there to help them. I know they are good. And that’s the most vital thing for their mom and the dad that I am.”
Luca, a 2015 U17 European Champion, earned his place on the team based on merit, according to national team coach Djamel Belmadi. “If I summoned him, it’s as he deserves it above all,” Belmadi stated. ”We’ve been following him for a long time. I am convinced that with his characteristics, he can bring us other qualities.” His arrival has already sparked debate about his potential to become the starting goalkeeper, challenging Alexis Guendouz and Oussama Benbot.
The news evokes a powerful memory for Zidane’s father, Smaïl. On July 12, 1998 – the night France won the World Cup – Smaïl was home cradling a two-month-old Luca, unable to watch the final. As recounted in his book, he found joy not in the game, but in the peaceful presence of his grandson.”My son Noureddine will come and warn me at each goal and will run away just as quickly,” smaïl wrote. ”But then I can’t take my gaze away from Luca’s closed eyes, from Luca’s light breathing. And my lips whisper to him despite myself: ”Ah, your father, your father…” I feel so good,at this moment,so filled with gratitude for all this happiness that God gives us,that I thank him and ask him to protect this little being who is awakening to life.” Now, 27 years later, Luca embarks on a new chapter, representing Algeria and carrying forward a family story of heritage and pride.
