Public pressure is growing for Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to be omitted from future national team squads after renewed criticism followed comments made by his father, newly appointed France coach Zinedine Zidane.
The latest controversy comes after an already difficult period for the Granada goalkeeper, whose performances during the 2026 FIFA World Cup had drawn widespread criticism from supporters and sections of the media.
According to the information available, the debate surrounding Luca Zidane is no longer centred solely on his displays for Algeria but has also been fuelled by remarks made by his father during his introductory press conference as France head coach.
The situation has added to questions that had already been raised over the goalkeeper’s long-term future with the Desert Warriors following what many supporters viewed as an underwhelming World Cup campaign.
Luca Zidane, who plays for Spanish club Granada, joined the Algerian national team in October 2025.
Since then, his performances have reportedly varied, producing encouraging displays in some matches while struggling to convince consistently in others.
Those concerns intensified during the 2026 World Cup, where he featured in three matches. Algeria lost 3-0 to Argentina and 2-0 to Switzerland, while defeating Jordan 2-1. Across those appearances, the goalkeeper conceded six goals.
He did not play in Algeria’s 3-3 draw against Austria after requesting to be left out because of psychological distress following the criticism directed at him.
The debate surrounding his place in the national team has now taken on a new dimension after Zinedine Zidane commented during his unveiling as France manager on the case of French journalist Christophe Gleize, who is imprisoned in Algeria after being convicted of “praising terrorist organizations” while preparing journalistic work in the country.
According to the report, many Algerian supporters reacted strongly on social media, describing the comments as interference in Algeria’s internal affairs and in the work of its judicial system.
That reaction has prompted some fans to call on the Algerian Football Federation not to select Luca Zidane in future squads.
For many critics, the latest controversy has reinforced concerns they already held regarding the goalkeeper’s performances.
They argue that even before his father’s remarks, Luca Zidane had failed to demonstrate the level required to establish himself as Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, particularly after his displays at the World Cup.
However, the report also highlights that opinion among supporters is divided.
Another section of the fan base has defended the goalkeeper, insisting he should not be judged for statements made by his father.
Those supporters believe Luca Zidane deserves another opportunity to prove himself at international level, particularly because Algeria have yet to identify a definitive long-term solution in the goalkeeping position.
Regardless of the debate, the goalkeeper will not be available for Algeria’s opening matches in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
He is due to miss fixtures against Zambia and Burundi, scheduled between 21 September and 6 October, after receiving a suspension from the Confederation of African Football following events linked to Algeria’s quarter-final against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The absence means the discussion over his international future is likely to continue before he becomes eligible for selection again.
The report also says the 2026 World Cup has affected Luca Zidane’s club career.
The goalkeeper had hoped to secure a move during the current summer transfer window but has not succeeded in doing so following his performances at the tournament.
As a result, he is expected to remain with Granada, who compete in Spain’s second division.
With criticism of his World Cup displays still fresh, a suspension keeping him out of Algeria’s next competitive fixtures and renewed controversy surrounding comments made by his father, Luca Zidane’s position within the national team has become the subject of intense public debate.
While some supporters believe his international career should come to an end, others maintain he should be assessed on his own performances rather than the views expressed by members of his family, leaving his future with the Desert Warriors uncertain.
