Luca Zidane: “My family is proud of me, Algeria is my homeland”

Luca Zidane has expressed his immense pride after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Algeria national team, just weeks after officially switching his sporting nationality from France to Algeria.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone ahead of Algeria’s final training session at Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, the Granada goalkeeper said:

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a great honor for me,” he began. “I’m proud to have the chance to defend Algeria’s colors. It’s amazing to see how much support we have from the fans, and knowing the stadium will be full is really special.”

Asked about his decision to represent Les Fennecs, Luca Zidane replied:

“It’s my homeland — Algeria is the country of my grandparents. My family is proud of me and supports all my decisions.”
He also revealed that his grandfather Ismaïl was particularly overjoyed by his choice to play for Algeria.

Luca, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, spoke about his father by saying:

“That’s just how things are — I have my own path, and my father had his. As I said, I’m very proud to be here, and I’ll give 100% to make the Algerian people proud.”

When asked if his father would attend Algeria’s upcoming matches, he smiled and replied:

“No, he won’t be here.”

Looking ahead to Algeria’s next World Cup qualifier against Somalia, Luca Zidane said the focus is clear:

“We have to make the most of this opportunity to win and secure qualification for the World Cup. The first goal right now is to beat Somalia.”

Finally, Luca Zidane spoke about the competition for the starting line-up under coach Vladimir Petkovic:

“There’s competition, as there always is in football. It’s a good thing — it shows we have a strong team, which is important for the journey ahead.”

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