Football icon Zinedine Zidane created a special moment off the pitch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, demonstrating his role as a proud father. The French legend was present at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, December 24, to watch his son, Luca Zidane, play for Algeria in their Group E opener against Sudan.
A Proud Father in the Stands
The presence of the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year added a significant emotional layer to the continental tournament. Zidane, now 53, was spotted in the VIP section during the match, with cameras capturing his focused support in the 24th minute. His attendance was not just that of a global football superstar, but of a parent supporting his child on one of football's biggest stages.
The match itself saw Les Fennecs of Algeria secure a convincing 3-0 victory over Sudan's Nile Crocodiles. While the scoreline dominated sports headlines, the story of a father's support for his son's international career captured the hearts of fans across Africa and beyond.
Luca Zidane's Algerian Journey
Luca Zidane, a goalkeeper for Spanish club Granada, made a conscious decision to represent Algeria, the homeland of his paternal grandfather, instead of his native France. In interviews with beIN SPORTS, he explained this heartfelt choice, highlighting the strong Algerian culture within his family.
"With Algeria, I immediately think of my grandfather," Luca stated. "From a young age, we have an Algerian culture in my family. I talked about it with him before going to the national team, he was very excited. From the very beginning when the coach and the federation president contacted me, it was an obvious choice to defend my country."
He confirmed that his family, including his legendary father, were fully supportive and happy with his decision to wear the Algerian jersey.
Social Media Erupts with Praise
The sight of Zinedine Zidane in the stands did not go unnoticed, sparking a wave of positive reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Fans quickly hailed the moment, focusing on the strong family values on display.
One user, @kapa5, celebrated the legacy, writing: "Zizou in the building! Amazing to see him supporting Luca and the Desert Foxes at AFCON. The legacy continues in a different way!"
Another fan, @BigRaw252, noted the deeper significance: "That’s not just a legend in the stands… that’s a proud father watching his boy make his own history. Luca wearing 23 like dad, but writing his own story with Algeria."
The sentiment was widely shared, with @GolVoa adding: "Proud dad vibes. Big moment for Luca. Algeria goalie showing nerve and quality." The overwhelming response framed the event not just as a football occurrence, but as a powerful human-interest story about family and legacy.
This heartwarming scene at AFCON 2025 serves as a reminder of the personal stories that unfold alongside the high-stakes competition. While teams battle for continental glory, individual journeys and family support systems create the unforgettable memories that truly define the beautiful game.
