Zinedine Zidane Watches Son Luca Shine with Clean Sheet on AFCON Debut as Algeria Crush Sudan 3-0

On December 24, 2025, the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, buzzed with excitement as Algeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Sudan. But amid the roaring crowds and high stakes, one figure stood out in the stands: football legend Zinedine Zidane, there to witness his son Luca make his tournament debut for the Desert Foxes.

The moment captured hearts worldwide—a proud father supporting his son's international journey. Zinedine, the iconic French midfielder who dazzled at the 1998 World Cup and beyond, was spotted cheering as 27-year-old goalkeeper Luca Zidane took the field. Photos from the match show Zidane's focused gaze, a blend of paternal pride and quiet intensity, as Algeria dominated proceedings.

Luca, who plays club football for Granada in Spain's Segunda División, earned his starting spot due to an injury to regular goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz. Having switched allegiance from France—where he represented youth teams—to Algeria in September 2025, this was a deeply personal milestone. Eligible through his paternal grandparents' Algerian roots, Luca had debuted for the senior team in October qualifiers. Now, at AFCON, he faced the continental spotlight.

The match itself was a statement from Algeria. Captain Riyad Mahrez scored twice, while young talent Ibrahim Maza added a goal in a commanding 3-0 victory. Sudan were reduced to 10 men, but Algeria's control was evident throughout. For Luca, it was a solid debut: two key saves, a clean sheet, and composed distribution from the back. His performance rating hovered around 7.6, showcasing calm under pressure.

This father-son narrative adds emotional depth to AFCON 2025, hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. 

As Algeria top Group E, hopes rise for a strong tournament run—perhaps even emulating their 2019 triumph.