Luca Zidane debuts for Algeria against Argentina

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, made his FIFA World Cup debut for Algeria in a high-profile Group J match against Argentina on June 16, 2026, in Kansas City. The 28-year-old’s presence in goal for the North African side, rather than his father’s France, has become a major storyline of the tournament, intertwining family heritage, personal choice, and a historic moment for his opponent, Lionel Messi.

Zidane’s World Cup debut was marked by Messi scoring Argentina’s opening goal early in the match. The strike was historic, making Messi only the second player ever to score in five different World Cups during his record sixth appearance in the tournament.

Born in Marseille, France, and raised largely in Spain due to his father’s career with Real Madrid, Luca Zidane progressed through the Real Madrid academy system. He has built a professional club career in Spain, with spells at Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and currently Granada. Despite the constant scrutiny that comes with his famous surname, he has established himself as a dependable goalkeeper in his own right.

His decision to represent Algeria stems from his family’s heritage....