Goalkeeper Luca Zidane is rapidly establishing himself as a fan favourite and a key pillar of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign as the team eyes a perfect group-stage finish in Morocco.
Algeria, two-time African champions, opened their Group E campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over Sudan before edging Burkina Faso 1-0 to secure top spot. Central to those victories has been Zidane, whose timely interventions and composure between the posts have helped Algeria remain defensively solid at a tournament where clean sheets have previously been elusive.
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The Desert Foxes managed only one clean sheet across their last two AFCON appearances in 2021 and 2023, both of which ended in disappointing group-stage exits. In contrast, Algeria have now kept two clean sheets in three matches across all competitions since Zidane became eligible to represent the country after switching his international allegiance from France in September.
The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, has adapted quickly to his new role as Algeria’s first-choice keeper. Head coach Vladimir Petkovic praised Zidane’s immediate impact, noting that he has integrated smoothly despite joining the squad only recently.
“Zidane contributed significantly to both victories,” Petkovic said. “He has gained experience very quickly and shown maturity beyond his short time with the team.”
Defender Rayan Ait-Nouri also highlighted Zidane’s influence, both on and off the pitch. He described the goalkeeper as vocal, supportive, and confident, adding that his communication has strengthened the defensive unit.
Algeria face Equatorial Guinea next, a match in which another clean sheet appears achievable. Their opponents have already been eliminated after scoring just once in two matches, further boosting Algeria’s confidence.
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Earlier this month, Zidane revealed that his decision to represent Algeria was backed by his family, including his grandfather, marking an important personal milestone in his international career.