TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Viewers of the 2026 World Cup were left in awe on Tuesday as legendary Lionel Messi delivered the tournament’s first hattrick, powering Argentina to a dominant victory.
Yet amid the celebrations, Algeria’s goalkeeper unexpectedly became a talking point of his own, drawing attention for both his distinctive on-field gear and the surname of his jersey.
Who is Luca Zidane? Tournament onlookers have been buzzing the same question since the match began. With insights from USA Today, Sporting News, and World Soccer News, here’s everything you need to know about the international player.
Who is Luca Zidane?
Born on May 13, 1998, Luca Zidane is the son of famed football big name Zinedine Zidane. He made his debut with Real Madrid’s youth system and Real Madrid B around 2016 and at the end of 2017-18 season.
Throughout his career on the pitch, the 28-year-old has been bouncing around various clubs in Spain, and spent a brief period as a free agent for a couple of months. After playing for Rayo Vallecano for two years, Luca Zidane was signed to Elbar in 2022 on a free transfer. Today, the goalkeeper plays for Spanish club Granada through a contract running from 2024 to June 2027.
Proving his worth on the 2026 World Cup, Luca Zidane successfully kept a clean sheet against the Netherlands in the build-up of the tournament, making six saves that led Algeria to win 1-0 on June 3.
Why does Luca Zidane play for Algeria?
Born in Aix-en-Proven, France, Luca Zidane holds triple citizenship: France by birth, Spanish through his mother, and Algerian through his paternal lineage.
Multiple outlets said the Algerian goalkeeper lacked a competitive senior appearance for the French national team. However, Zidane ultimately chose to honor his grandparents to represent their home country, Algeria.
In September 2025, he received the formal acceptance from FIFA for his plea of an official change-of-federation.
“We’ve lived in an Algerian culture since we were small,” Zidane told The Athletic. “It’s an honour 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?
The unique gear Luca Zidane is wearing on the pitch of the 2026 World Cup is actually a specialized protective face mask designed by his medical team.
The French born suffered from a fractured jaw, a fractured chin, and a severe concussion due to an upsetting aerial collision during a match against Almeria when his club Granada played back in late April.
With doubts lingering over whether he would be ready for the 2026 World Cup, the shot-stopper eventually won his battle against time. Ahead of the tournament, he reassured reporters that his recovery was progressing smoothly, explaining, “I’m doing well, I don’t have any pain anymore. The surgery went well and five weeks have passed now. I returned to training on the pitch two weeks ago and I’m very happy.”
From carrying one of football’s most recognizable surnames to overcoming a serious facial injury just weeks before kickoff, Luca Zidane has shown both resilience and determination on the sport’s biggest stage.
For a complete breakdown of upcoming fixtures, group-stage matches, and knockout-round dates, be sure to check out the full 2026 World Cup schedule.
Read: Why Did Messi Cry After Scoring in Argentina's World Cup Opener?
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