Luca Zidane Switches Allegiance to Algeria

FIFA approves Luca Zidane's change of association to represent Algeria

Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, gets FIFA approval to represent Algeria in international football competitions. Read more about his eligibility and potential debut.

The Algerian national team has qualified for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, scheduled to start on December...

Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has officially switched his allegiance from France to Algeria. The Algerian Football Federation announced that “FIFA officially granted... goalkeeper Luca Zinedine Zidane authorisation to represent the Algerian national team.” This decision allows Zidane to follow in his father's footsteps, albeit representing a different country, as Algeria seeks to strengthen its goalkeeping options.

Zidane's switch is significant, given his family ties to Algeria through his paternal grandparents, who hail from the Kabylie region. His father, Zinedine Zidane, won the World Cup with France in 1998. Luca Zidane has represented France at youth levels but never earned a senior cap, making him eligible to play for Algeria. Currently, he plays for Granada in Spain's second division. With this change, Zidane may feature in upcoming matches, including Algeria's World Cup qualifiers against Somalia on October 9 and Uganda on October 14.

FIFA's change of association platform recently showed a decision dated on Friday, although the specific details of the decision are not available. Luca Zidane, who has represented France at youth levels and currently plays for Granada in Spain's second division, remains eligible to play for Algeria, the country of his paternal grandparents, since he never made the step up to the French national team.

The Algerian national team has qualified for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, scheduled to start on December 21 in Morocco. They're also leading their World Cup qualifying Group G with 19 points. To secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, they'll need either a win against Somalia or a draw with Uganda next month.

Luca Zinedine ZIDANE New #DesertWarrior, Welcome 🇩🇿#LesVerts⭐⭐ | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/9vsi129n5C

— Équipe d'Algérie de football (@LesVerts) September 19, 2025

Eligibility Rules:

Change of Association: FIFA allows players to switch associations under certain conditions, such as acquiring a new nationality or proving residence in a new country.

Documentation: Players must submit required documents, including proof of nationality, residence permits, and birth certificates.

Approval Process: The FIFA Football Tribunal reviews and approves change of association requests, ensuring compliance with regulations.

The new digital platform launched by FIFA on February 17, 2025, provides transparency on approved association changes. This platform serves as a vital resource for member associations, confederations, clubs, players, and agents, offering insights into players who've been granted approval to switch associations.

Luca Zidane's football journey began at Real Madrid's youth academy, which he joined in 2004. He progressed through the ranks and played for the club's reserve team, eventually making his debut with the main squad in the final league game of the 2017-2018 season. During Real Madrid's Champions League-winning campaign in 2018, Zidane served as the third-choice goalkeeper.

Zidane's family roots are deeply connected to Algeria. Although his father, Zinedine Zidane, was born in Marseille, France, his family originates from a small village in Bejaia, a city located about 250 kilometers east of Algiers. This heritage has now paved the way for Luca Zidane to represent Algeria on the international stage.