Quick Read
- Elyaz Zidane is the youngest son of Zinedine Zidane, currently playing for France U20 and Real Betis’ reserve team.
- He was the most-used French player at the U20 World Cup in Chile, showing strong leadership and defensive skills.
- Elyaz has drawn interest from scouts, especially Barcelona, for his technical ability.
- His brothers have taken different football paths, with Luca now representing Algeria.
- Coach Bernard Diomede praises Elyaz’s composure and left foot, warning against excessive expectations.
It’s late October in Santiago, Chile. Under the stadium lights, the French U20 squad are chasing history in the World Cup semifinals. At the heart of their defense stands Elyaz Zidane, a tall, left-footed center-back whose surname carries the weight of football legend. Yet, as France battles Morocco for a spot in the final, it’s becoming clear that Elyaz is more than just an heir to a famous name—he’s a revelation in his own right.
The Zidane Legacy: Expectations and Reality
When the name ‘Zidane’ appears on a team sheet, expectations naturally soar. For Elyaz, the youngest of Zinedine Zidane’s four sons, that pressure is constant. Coach Bernard Diomede—himself a member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad—has seen Elyaz absorb that scrutiny with remarkable composure. Diomede once mused, “Maybe it would be easier if Elyaz just wore his first name on his shirt. But he chose the surname, and he should be proud of it.” (MozzartSportKe)
It’s not easy growing up in the shadow of a father who won the Ballon d’Or and led France to World Cup glory, but Elyaz has charted his own course. Born in Marseille in December 2005, he followed his brothers through the Real Madrid youth system before joining Real Betis’ reserve team in the summer of 2024. While a senior debut under Manuel Pellegrini is still pending, his performances have already drawn interest from scouts, notably Barcelona’s, impressed by his ability to carry the ball forward and his calm under pressure.
France’s U20 Campaign: Elyaz in the Spotlight
The tournament in Chile has been a showcase for emerging talent, and Elyaz has seized the moment. France’s journey included a 2–1 win over South Africa, a 6–0 rout of New Caledonia, and a setback against the USA in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, Elyaz was ever-present, logging 435 minutes—more than any teammate—displaying poise and leadership beyond his years.
His aerial dominance has been striking: since the knockout stages, he’s won every aerial duel, helping France edge Japan 1–0 in extra time and Norway 2–1 to reach the final four. In the round of sixteen against Japan, Elyaz’s celebration—arms raised, face beaming—was captured by photographers, a moment reflecting the pride and relief of surviving a tense match (AP Photo/Esteban Felix).
Diomede’s praise for Elyaz’s left foot isn’t just sentimental. The young defender’s ability to distribute from the back and break lines has been a tactical asset for France, reminiscent of his father’s vision, but with a defender’s mindset. As France aims to replicate their 2013 U20 World Cup triumph, Elyaz is firmly in the conversation as one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
The Zidane Brothers: Football’s Diverse Paths
The Zidane family is a football dynasty, but each son has taken a different route. Enzo, the eldest, retired at 29 after a journeyman career across Spain, Switzerland, and France. Luca, the second son, is now a goalkeeper for Granada and has switched allegiance to Algeria, poised to become the first Zidane to play for the Desert Foxes. Théo, the third, is a towering midfielder at Cordoba. Elyaz, the youngest, is carving his niche at Real Betis and with France’s youth teams (The National).
Their stories illustrate the complex reality of footballing families. While the surname opens doors, it also invites intense scrutiny and comparisons. For Elyaz, the challenge is to blend inherited talent with his own resilience. His choice to wear ‘Zidane’ on his shirt is both a statement of pride and a declaration of intent.
Scouting Attention and Future Prospects
Elyaz’s performances in Chile haven’t gone unnoticed. Barcelona’s scouts, among others, have been tracking his progress, drawn by his technical quality and maturity. His time at Real Betis Deportivo in Spain’s third tier has been marked by steady growth, and while a senior debut is yet to come, the trajectory points upward.
Bernard Diomede has cautioned against placing too much expectation on young players with famous fathers. “We expect a lot from them—maybe too much,” he said. Yet, Elyaz’s response has been to let his football do the talking. His leadership at the U20 level, especially in high-pressure knockout matches, suggests he’s equipped to handle the spotlight.
As the semifinals approach, France is not considered favorites against Morocco. Diomede assigns that label to their opponents, highlighting the unpredictable nature of youth tournaments. But with Elyaz anchoring the defense, France’s hopes are far from dim.
The Algerian Connection and International Choices
The Zidane family’s Algerian heritage continues to play a role in their footballing journeys. Zinedine himself was courted for the Algeria national team manager role, a position he politely declined, but his sons remain eligible for Algerian citizenship. Luca Zidane’s switch to Algeria may pave the way for future family ties to the Desert Foxes, as the Algerian Football Federation keeps a close watch on diaspora talent across Europe.
For Elyaz, the immediate focus remains France and club football in Spain. Yet, the possibility of following his brother’s path to Algeria is always there—an option shaped by both family history and the realities of modern international football.
What’s Next for Elyaz Zidane?
With France’s U20 campaign nearing its climax, Elyaz stands at a crossroads. His tournament performances have elevated him from promising prospect to genuine contender for a senior club breakthrough. The attention from European giants is both an opportunity and a challenge, as the next steps will be critical in shaping his career.
For now, he remains a central figure in France’s quest for another youth world title, balancing the legacy of his surname with the promise of his own talent. Whether he follows his brothers into senior international football—be it with France or Algeria—will depend on both opportunity and choice.
Assessment: Elyaz Zidane’s journey at the U20 World Cup demonstrates the dual pressures and privileges of sporting legacy. His performances show maturity, composure, and leadership—qualities essential for transitioning to senior football. While his surname opens doors, it is his skill and mentality that will ultimately define his trajectory, making him one of the most intriguing young defenders in Europe.