Luca Zidane has spoken from the heart following Algeria’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, offering a message of gratitude, resilience, and pride to Algerian supporters around the world. In an emotional post shared on his Instagram page, the goalkeeper admitted the disappointment of seeing Algeria’s AFCON journey come to an end, but insisted that the experience had also left him with something far more powerful than regret.
“The AFCON ends here. The disappointment is immense. But deep down, there is something even stronger: pride,” Zidane wrote, reflecting on what was a deeply personal tournament for him. It marked his first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations and, perhaps more significantly, his first major tournament wearing the colors of Algeria, the country of his grandparents. For the 26-year-old, the competition was not just about football, but about identity and heritage.
Zidane acknowledged the pain of elimination, but struck a defiant and hopeful tone about the future. “This elimination hurts, but it will not stop us. Algeria always rises again,” he said, underlining his belief in the team’s capacity to bounce back. He reserved special praise for the fans, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout the tournament and describing them as the team’s “greatest weapon” during the AFCON.
As Algeria turns the page on another campaign that ended earlier than hoped, Zidane’s message serves as a reminder that beyond the results, a new chapter has begun for him with the national team—one built on pride, connection, and the promise of coming back stronger.