Zidane in Algeria's AFCON Moment: Luka Eyes Perfection on His Debut
24 December 2025
AFCON 2025: Zidane's Day in Rabat
French legend Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, witnessed a historic moment for Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He settled into the stands at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat to watch Algeria face Sudan in Group 5.
Luka Zidane's Debut Dreams
In the spotlight, Luka Zidane, Algeria's goalkeeper, sat with his father as the match unfolded, marking the young goalkeeper's appearance for the Desert Foxes in AFCON.
From France to Algeria: A Footballing Journey
Before donning Algeria's colors, Luka climbed through France's youth ranks. His club path included Real Madrid's academy, plus stints with Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and most recently Granada.
As for Zinedine Zidane, he has remained available since the end of his second spell as Real Madrid coach in 2021, with speculation that he could eventually take on a national team role for France after Didier Deschamps retires following the 2026 World Cup.
AFCON Moments to Remember
Algeria's fans cheered as Luka held the line, while Zidane kept a watchful eye from the stands, fueling talk of a possible future on the touchline for his son and even the national team job for his father.
While Luka's 27-year-old goalkeeper's career has taken him from the France youth teams to Granada, he has shown promise at this continental tournament after previously featuring in World Cup qualifiers against Uganda in October.
Two Generations, One Pitch
Before representing Algeria, Luka Zidane progressed through France's youth teams. His club path took him from Real Madrid's academy to Racing Santander, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and Granada.
And Zidane himself has been without a managerial role since 2021, with rumors that he could become France's new coach once Deschamps steps aside after the 2026 World Cup.
Punchline 1: If coaching France ever happens, the subtitles will finally keep up with the drama on the bench.
Punchline 2: Luka saves more than goals; he saves dad jokes from going offside.
