Luca Zidane: Algeria’s new number one eyes further exploits in Morocco

On Wednesday night in Rabat, Algeria brought an end to a six-year wait for victory at the Africa Cup of Nations, opening their Morocco 2025 campaign in style with a commanding 3–0 win over Sudan.

It was a memorable evening on many levels. Riyad Mahrez etched his name deeper into the history books, scoring a brace to become Algeria’s all-time leading goalscorer at the AFCON finals with eight goals. Substitute Ibrahim Maza added further sparkle, finding the net to become the youngest Algerian scorer in the competition’s history at just 20 years and 30 days.

Yet amid the attacking fireworks, one name stood out quietly but decisively: Luca Zidane. Making his Africa Cup of Nations debut, the goalkeeper marked the occasion with a clean sheet that will long be remembered.

At the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, one of the defining aspects of the match was not only Algeria’s goals, but a goalmouth that remained firmly protected. Handed the responsibility between the sticks, Zidane enjoyed a dream debut, keeping his goal intact in the convincing win over Sudan.

Despite a handful of probing moments from the opposition, the 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper displayed composure and authority, delivering a calm and reassuring performance throughout the contest.

Head coach Vladimir Petković was quick to praise his goalkeeper’s impact.

“Zidane gave the team a real sense of security and played well with his feet, despite it being one of his first matches with the national team,” Petković said.

Shielded by a back four rich in experience, including Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ramy Bensebaini, Zidane emerged as a solid reference point at the back. From his very first appearance at the tournament, it was clear he was not there by chance.

Zidane’s international journey could easily have taken a different path. Having represented France at youth level, he ultimately made a deeply personal, family-driven decision to commit his future to Algeria.

Central to that choice was the influence of his grandfather, who encouraged him to embrace his roots.

“My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria. He wanted me to be proud of my origins, and I wanted to honour him,” Zidane explained in an interview with CAFOnline. “My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction.”

That strong family bond has seen him proudly wear the Fennecs jersey, with the name Zidane on his back. Present in the stands in Rabat for his AFCON debut was his father, Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner with France and an iconic figure of the global game.

The former Real Madrid title-winning coach received warm applause each time he appeared on the stadium’s giant screens — moments that did little to distract his son.

“It’s really nice that he came with my brother,” Luca said. “I’ve always had my family’s support, and seeing them here at AFCON gives me even more strength to defend Algeria’s colours.”

Zidane’s arrival comes at a time of transition for Algerian football. After two AFCON editions without a single win or progression beyond the group stage, in 2021 and 2023, Les Fennecs were eager to rediscover their identity and defensive solidity.

The goalkeeper’s role in Algeria has long been associated with iconic figures. Rais M’Bolhi, in particular, embodied the position for many years, delivering heroic performances on the biggest stages, notably at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and in previous continental campaigns.

Today, it is Zidane stepping into that legacy, bringing his own interpretation of the role: calm under pressure, authoritative in organization, and comfortable building play from the back.

This clean sheet against Sudan was no accident. It was the result of careful preparation, deliberate career choices, and a clear determination to succeed in one of football’s most demanding positions.

After a convincing opening victory and a memorable clean sheet, Zidane and Algeria must now quickly turn their focus to the next challenge: Burkina Faso, on Sunday in Rabat.

The Burkinabè arrive full of confidence after a thrilling 2–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea on Matchday One and will offer no favours.

For the Fennecs, the objective is clear; confirm their revival, maintain the defensive stability introduced by Zidane, and continue building on a blend of experience and youth that has finally ended a long AFCON winless run.