Luca Zidane Caught in Controversial AFCON Altercation as Algeria Exits Tournament

Luca Zidane, son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, found himself at the center of a tumultuous brawl during Algeria’s AFCON match against Nigeria. The confrontation escalated from a heated verbal exchange with Lazio midfielder Dele-Bashiru into a shoving match, drawing players and staff from both teams into the fray. Zidane was also seen in a dispute with Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, as Nigerian players intervened to separate Dele-Bashiru from the chaos.

Algeria advanced through the AFCON group stage with an impressive 100% record, securing victories against Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea. However, their journey came to an end with a narrow 1-0 loss to DR Congo in the round of 16. The subsequent match against Nigeria proved too challenging, as the Super Eagles triumphed 2-0, courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, which set them up for a semi-final clash against tournament favorites Morocco.

Following the match, fans took to social media in disbelief as the encounter descended into disorder after the final whistle. Reactions varied widely, with one user commenting, “Damn, what a disgrace,” while another remarked on the emotional intensity of the match, stating, “Too much frustration in this match, they let themselves get overwhelmed by their emotions.” A third fan noted, “Luca Zidane taking after his father there,” and a fourth expressed disapproval, stating, “Didn’t like that fight at the end there.”

Earlier this year, Luca Zidane made a significant decision to switch his international allegiance from France to Algeria, following in the footsteps of his iconic father. He made his debut for the Algerian national team in October 2025 and was subsequently included in their AFCON squad.

Having been part of the Real Madrid squad that won the Champions League under his father in the 2017/18 season, Luca had limited first-team exposure, making only two appearances before transferring permanently to Rayo Vallecano in 2020. At 27, he has spent most of his career in Spain’s Segunda División, representing Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, and his current club, Granada, accumulating 194 career appearances as a goalkeeper.

Despite carving out a respectable career away from his father’s shadow, Luca must feel disheartened by the altercation that erupted at full-time, a culmination of frustrations following Algeria’s elimination from AFCON, as he prepares to return to his club in Spain.