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Why Luca Zidane wore a mask during Algeria's World Cup match against Argentina

Despite his injury, Luca showed up on the field

16 June 2026, USA, Kansas City: Soccer, Men: World Cup, Argentina vs. Algeria, Preliminary Round, Group J, Matchday 1, Kansas City Stadium, goalkeeper Luca Zidane (Algeria) in action. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with FIFA regulations, these images may be used exclusively for editorial purposes. Commercial use is prohibited. Furthermore, no video-like sequences may be created, and no alterations may be made to the image, either in the foreground or the background. Photo: To m Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)

JUNE 17, 2026 5:34 PM EDTJUN 17, 2026, 5:34 PM EDT

While football is known for its helmets, the only protection soccer players have during the game is their chin guards. This is the reason why Luca Zidane's World Cup appearance against Argentina had fans doing a double-take. And it wasn't because of his famous last name.

Luca was not gonna let his injury stop him

On June 13, the Algerian goalkeeper took the field wearing a black protective mask during the team's 13th group-stage match, leaving many viewers wondering what happened.

He assured fans he would be ready to play

It turns out the 28-year-old is still recovering from a frightening injury he suffered less than two months before the tournament.

The goalkeeper locked in despite his injury

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Back on April 27, Luca was playing for Granada in a match against Almería when an accidental collision left him with fractures to his jaw and chin. The impact was severe enough that he was taken from the stadium by ambulance and later underwent surgery.

At the time, there was concern about how long he could be sidelined. Proving his sheer dedication and resilience, two days after the operation, Luca shared an update from the hospital, assuring fans he was planning to return sooner rather than later.

Luca Zidane in a photograph after his operation, following a fractured jaw and chin

"The operation has gone very well. It was more of a scare than actual damage. I'll be back on the field very soon. Thank you all for your messages of support," he wrote.

He ended up keeping that promise. Within weeks, Luca had returned to action with Granada and was later called up to represent Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The protective mask he wore against Argentina is helping protect the area that is still healing from another brutal impact.

While the injury occurred in April, doctors often recommend additional protection after facial fractures, especially for players competing in a contact sport.

Many soccer fans know Luca because of his father. He's the second of four sons born to Zinedine Zidane and Véronique Fernández, with his siblings Enzo, 29, Théo, 24, and Elyaz, 20, also following in his famous cleats. But he has spent years carving out his own path and is the only goalkeeper among the siblings.

Family photo: Zinedine Zidane with his wife Véronique Fernández and their children Enzo, Luca, Théo and Elyaz.

Born in Marseille, Luca was eligible to represent both France and Algeria. He ultimately chose Algeria, the country tied to his father's family roots.

He's the only son from his famous father to be a goal keeper

The match itself was a difficult one for Algeria, which fell 3-0 to Argentina.

Lionel Messi made headlines with a hat trick, but Luca's presence on the field was a story in itself.

Considering just weeks ago, he was recovering from emergency surgery. Seeing him on the field by mid-June, lining up at a World Cup, is an inspirational story for every athlete and fan.

Not a bad turnaround for someone who was posting recovery photos from a hospital bed at the end of April.