Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been included in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.
The 27-year-old, who plays for Spanish second-division side Granada, previously represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Algeria. He made his senior debut two months ago in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda.
“It is an honour for me, and I will give 100% to make the Algerian people proud,” Zidane said after his debut.
Zidane is one of three goalkeepers named in the squad, alongside Oussama Benbot of USM Alger and Anthony Mandrea of French club Caen.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic expressed confidence ahead of the tournament. “I’m sure the players will arrive highly motivated and ready to play in this AFCON. The main objective is to get past the first round… with the ambition to go as far as possible in the tournament,” he said.
Algeria will open their Group E campaign against Sudan on December 24, before facing Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.
Meanwhile, reigning African champions Senegal also unveiled their squad, which features six English Premier League players.
Head coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged the weight of expectation: “We are among the favourites and we accept that. I want a dominant team.”
Senegal will compete in Group D against Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Benin, as they look to defend their continental crown.
