The Zidane legacy added another historic layer on the African stage as Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, made his first-ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations for Algeria, helping the Desert Foxes begin their 2025 AFCON campaign with a dominant 3–0 victory over Sudan at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Already capped for Algeria in World Cup qualifying, Luca’s inclusion in the starting XI carried added significance as it marked his maiden AFCON outing. Stepping in for the injured Alexandre Oukidja, the 26-year-old goalkeeper delivered a composed and assured performance, denying Sudan on multiple occasions to register a clean sheet on one of the biggest nights of his international career.
The moment was made even more special by the presence of Zinedine Zidane in the stands, watching his son take the field at a major continental tournament. Each glimpse of the former World Cup winner on the stadium screen triggered loud applause, underlining the emotional resonance of the occasion.
Algeria wasted no time asserting control. Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in just the second minute, calmly finishing from Hicham Boudaoui’s precise cross. Sudan attempted to respond through Yasser Awad, but Luca Zidane stood firm, making a series of confident saves to protect the early lead.
The match tilted decisively in Algeria’s favour just before halftime when Sudan’s Salah Adil was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving his side with ten men.
Mahrez struck again in the 61st minute, converting Mohamed Amoura’s clever delivery to double the advantage. The victory was sealed late in the game when Baghdad Bounedjah’s header was turned in by 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza, who celebrated his first senior international goal.
“Starting with a win is crucial,” Mahrez said after the match. “We didn’t begin well in the last two tournaments, so this result gives us confidence.”
The emphatic victory lifted Algeria to the top of Group E and reinforced their status as one of the tournament favourites. For Luca Zidane, the night represented another important step—no longer a newcomer to the national team, but now a participant on Africa’s biggest footballing stage.
Born in France and developed at Real Madrid’s famed academy, Luca Zidane made his professional breakthrough with Real Madrid Castilla before earning limited senior opportunities with the Spanish giants. After spells at Racing Santander and Rayo Vallecano, he joined Granada in 2024, continuing to build his career away from the spotlight that inevitably follows the Zidane name.
Having represented France at youth level, Luca opted to play senior international football for Algeria in 2025, embracing his heritage. His calm first AFCON appearance suggested a player increasingly comfortable forging his own identity—one that honours a legendary past while firmly facing the future.
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