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Algeria have included Luca Zidane, the son of legendary former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane, in their squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21 in Morocco.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who currently plays for Spanish second-tier side Granada, was previously capped by France at youth level before opting to represent Algeria internationally. His decision has now been rewarded with a place in the AFCON squad following his senior debut earlier this year.
Zidane made his first appearance for Algeria in a World Cup qualifying match against Uganda two months ago and is one of three goalkeepers selected by head coach Vladimir Petkovic. He is joined by Oussama Benbot of USM Alger and Caen’s Anthony Mandrea.
Speaking after his international debut, Zidane described the call-up as a huge honour, pledging to give everything to make Algerian supporters proud whenever he is called upon.
Petkovic, who previously coached Switzerland, said he expects his players to arrive at the tournament highly motivated, stressing that Algeria’s immediate goal is to progress beyond the group stage while keeping ambitions high for a deep run in the competition.
Algeria will open their Group E campaign against Sudan on December 24 before facing Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. The top two teams in each group advance automatically to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed sides across the tournament.
Elsewhere, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw named six Premier League-based players in his squad as the reigning African champions prepare for their Group D fixtures against Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin.
Among those selected are West Ham defender El Hadji Diouf, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr and Sunderland captain Habib Diarra, along with Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr.
Thiaw, who was part of Senegal’s historic 2002 World Cup squad, acknowledged his side’s status as tournament favourites and said he wants his team to impose themselves with an attacking, dominant style of play.
The AFCON, hosted by Morocco, is expected to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years, with several heavyweight nations arriving with strong squads and high expectations.
