Luca Zidane included in Algeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad

By Martin Graham

Goalkeeping options and player ambitionsGroup stage challenge and rivals’ selections

Algeria have officially added goalkeeper Luca Zidane to their squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to begin on December 21 in Morocco. The 27-year-old is the son of former France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and currently plays club football with Granada in Spain’s second division.

Although he previously appeared for France at youth international level, Zidane later chose to represent Algeria. He made his first appearance for the North African side two months ago during a World Cup qualifying match against Uganda.

Goalkeeping options and player ambitions

Zidane is one of three players selected for the goalkeeping department. He joins USM Alger’s Oussama Benbot and Caen shot-stopper Anthony Mandrea in the final list.

Following his first outing for Algeria, Zidane expressed pride in wearing the national colours and stated his determination to give his full effort for supporters of the team.

Group stage challenge and rivals’ selections

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic, formerly in charge of Switzerland, said the squad would approach the competition with strong commitment. He explained that progressing beyond the opening phase is the immediate target, while also aiming for a deep run in the tournament.

Algeria will open their Group E schedule against Sudan on December 24 before taking on Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. Teams finishing first and second in each group move directly into the round of 16, along with the four strongest third-placed sides.

Elsewhere, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw named six players currently active in the Premier League for the competition. His selection includes West Ham defender El Hadji Diouf, Everton pair Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, Sunderland’s Habib Diarra, and Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr.

Senegal have been drawn into Group D alongside Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin. Thiaw, who featured in Senegal’s squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, described his team as title contenders and emphasised his desire for an assertive style of play.