en.malanginspirasi.com – Luca Zidane has gone viral before Algeria is set to kick off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Argentina, Wednesday June 17th.
Zidane is confirmed as the starting goalkeeper as this high-stakes opening match will mark his eighth international appearance for Les Fennecs.
The 28-year-old shot-stopper carries a legendary football lineage; he is the son of French icon Zinedine Zidane, who famously captained Les Bleus to their maiden World Cup victory on home soil in 1998.
While the younger Zidane represented France at the youth level, he officially switched his international allegiance in 2025.
He qualifies to represent Algeria through his grandparents’ birthplace.
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“We’ve lived in an Algerian culture since we were small,” Zidane told The Athletic. “It’s an honor to play for Algeria. The final decision was mine, but I spoke with my family, my parents, my brothers, my grandfather. My father was happy, he knew it was something I wanted to do. To be able to play in a World Cup is a dream for any kid.”
Why is Luca Zidane Wearing a Mask?
Spectators notice that Zidane sporting an unconventional protective face mask during the tournament.
The headgear is the result of a severe on-field collision in April while playing for his club team, Granada, which left him with a fractured chin and jaw.
The injury required corrective surgery, sidelining the keeper for over a month.
He finally returned to pitch action on June 3 during a pre-World Cup friendly against the Netherlands—his first game since April 26.
Zidane proved he hadn’t lost his form, putting on a stellar six-save performance to secure a 1-0 clean sheet victory for Algeria.
Following the blockbuster clash with Argentina, Algeria will continue their Group J campaign with fixtures against Jordan and Austria.
