Luka Zidane Faces a New Challenge as Algeria Unveils a Rising Goalkeeper Brigade
27 January 2026
Son of the French legend is in danger
The Algeria national team's goalkeeping department is in a state of suspense and tension as the 2026 World Cup approaches, following a series of changes since the arrival of coach Vladimir Petkovic, due to dissatisfaction with the options previously available.
Although Luka Zidane, the son of the French legend Zinedine Zidane, has become the starting goalkeeper since his joining in October last year and featured at AFCON 2025, his position is no longer guaranteed.
The Algerian Football Federation is working with the coaching staff, according to La Gazette du Fennec, to end the ambiguity at this spot and to build a strong future project for goalkeeping.
Three Young Faces in the Competition
The expanded list for upcoming preparations includes three rising goalkeepers: Melvin Mastell (25), who regularly plays for Stade Neuchâtel Xamax on loan from Lausanne-Sport; Abdullah Al-Aydani (22), who recently joined Modena in Italy in search of more minutes; and Kilian Belaazouk (19), continuing his development with Rennes' reserve team and considered one of the most promising talents.
One common factor among these three keepers is their height and large physical frame (1.94 m, 1.95 m and 1.98 m), reflecting the staff's desire to rely on a strong physical presence in the penalty area.
March… Decisive Date
The March camp could be a decisive stage in the goalkeeping race, as a standout performance by any of these keepers could reorder the staff's priorities, placing Luka Zidane under real pressure to maintain his place, and perhaps determining who will accompany the squad to the World Cup in America next summer.
punchlines Note: If height were everything, Algeria would have built a skyscraper in the goal. And if Luka holds his place, we might be witnessing a Zidane family reunion in the net—bring popcorn to the penalty box.
Punchline 1: If height were the only criterion, Algeria would already have a goalkeeper with a balcony view of the ball.
Punchline 2: With three youngsters breathing down his neck, Luka might need a bigger glove and a bigger calendar—the World Cup schedule just got a sequel.
