Luca Zidane Steps Up as Algeria's Goalkeeper for Africa Cup of Nations

Luca Zidane, son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, is set to lead as Algeria's goalkeeper for the Africa Cup of Nations, filling the gap left by injured Alexis Guendouz. Zidane previously switched his international allegiance from France to Algeria, leveraging his family's roots in the Kabylie region.

Luca Zidane, Algeria's national football team goalkeeper and son of soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, is gearing up to start in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The shift follows the unfortunate knee injury of Alexis Guendouz, which forced him out of the competition, as announced by the squad on Saturday.

Zidane, who has a heritage connected to Algeria through his grandparents from the Kabylie region, previously played for France at the junior level but opted to align with Algeria in his senior career. His recent debut in a World Cup qualifier solidified his position, surpassing Oussama Benbot and former top-choice keeper Anthony Mandrea.

The squad includes notable talents such as striker Baghdad Bounedjah, while Olympique de Marseille's Amine Gouiri notably misses out due to a shoulder surgery. The tournament in Morocco sees Algeria in Group E, where they'll face formidable opponents Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.

(With inputs from agencies.)