Luca Zidane of Algeria ©Samuel ShivambuBackpagePix
Monday Jan 12, 2026. 15:00
The Algerian Football Federation’s attempt to rectify its goalkeeping crisis with a big name has not worked out as it would have hoped, with the nation eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, served as the nation’s starting goalkeeper for the tournament after being plucked from Granada CF in the Spanish second tier.
His selection may have come as a surprise, however, Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petković wished to move away from previous starter Anthony Mandrea, whose club Caen were relegated to the French third division at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Born in France, Zidane changed allegiances to represent Algeria, with the request approved by FIFA on 19 September 2025, according to the governing body’s Change of Association Platform. The player was eligible to change as famous father’s parents hail from the country.
He received his first call up soon after, being named in Algeria’s squad for its final two World Cup qualifiers in October.
Zidane sat on the bench against Somalia on 9 October, making his first appearance for the national team in their final game against Uganda once qualification was already secured. He conceded once in a 2-1 victory on 14 October.
The 27-year-old was Petković’s pick to start in goal for AFCON. Zidane did not concede in the group stage, keeping clean sheets against Sudan and Burkina Faso. With their spot in the knockout stage secured, Mandrea played in the team’s final group game against Equatorial Guinea.
Zidane reprised the starting role in Algeria’s round of 16 clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which his side won 1-0 in extra time.
The Fennecs were bounced from the tournament in the quarterfinals on Saturday, falling 2-0 to Nigeria. Zidane’s performance was far from inspiring against one of the continent’s most lethal attacking forces.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Petković and the The Algerian Football Federation must decide whether to back their new number one or find an alternative option before the tournament.
By Nic Gleeson