Luca Zidane targeted by wave of criticism after fresh error with Algeria

Luca Zidane continues to fuel controversy. During Algeria’s match against Jordan in the early hours of Tuesday, the Granada goalkeeper deflected a shot from Nizar Al-Rashdan into his own net, gifting the Jordanians the opening goal. An error that immediately reignited debate over his legitimacy in the Fennecs’ goal.

Algeria eventually turned the match around after the break thanks to goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri, but Zidane’s performance did not escape criticism. On social media, comments multiplied: “This goalkeeper is a fraud”, “He’s the worst goalkeeper at the World Cup”, “He’s only there because of his name”, “Starting Zidane is a real scandal”, and “Zidane out”.

This is not the first time Zinédine Zidane’s son has found himself in the spotlight. During the defeat to Argentina, he had already been singled out for two costly interventions on Lionel Messi’s goals. His responsibility had been widely questioned at the time, and criticism had quickly emerged questioning his selection.

Yet Luca Zidane recently told the Sun that he has been working with a mental coach for several months. “Until now I had never spoken about it. It has changed my life. Today, being mentally strong is just as important as being physically ready”, he explained. This psychological support will be put to the test against the intensity of criticism that now follows him at every match.