Luca Zidane AFCON 2026 controversy as Algeria exit after Nigeria defeat
Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, has come under heavy scrutiny after being involved in a post-match brawl following Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. The Granada goalkeeper clashed with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at full-time, sparking chaotic scenes that marred the end of the contest in Marrakech.
What began as a heated verbal exchange quickly escalated into shoving, drawing in players and staff from both sides. Zidane was seen confronting Dele-Bashiru before Super Eagles teammates intervened, while the goalkeeper also exchanged words with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as tensions threatened to spiral further.
The incident overshadowed Algeria’s poor performance, as Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. The Super Eagles will now face hosts Morocco, while Algeria’s campaign ended in disappointment despite a flawless group stage that included wins over Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, followed by a narrow victory against DR Congo in the round of 16.
Social media reaction was swift and unforgiving. Nigerian journalist Tobi Adepoju wrote on X that it was “like father, like son,” referencing Zinedine Zidane’s infamous 2006 World Cup final red card. Other users echoed the sentiment, while some described Luca’s conduct as a disgrace and a humiliating end to Algeria’s tournament.
Zidane switched allegiance to Algeria in 2025 after previously being eligible for France. He made his debut in October and was included in the AFCON squad soon after. A product of Real Madrid’s academy, he was part of the squad that won the Champions League under his father in 2018, though he made only two senior appearances before moving to Rayo Vallecano. He has since built a steady career in Spain’s second tier with Rayo, Eibar and Granada, amassing 194 senior appearances.
While Luca Zidane has forged a respectable path away from his father’s shadow, the unsavoury scenes in Morocco will linger. His first major tournament with Algeria ended not only in elimination but also in controversy, leaving the 27-year-old reflecting on a night when frustration overtook discipline.