French-Algerian defender Ilyas Zidane has left his international future wide open at age 20.
Professional football often demands immediate answers to complex career questions, but Ilyas Zidane prefers a measured approach. Following a summer move to Red Star in France's second tier, the 20-year-old central defender faces intense media scrutiny over whether he will follow his older brother Luca and represent the Algerian national team, or continue his international career with France.
International Career Crossroads Between France and Algeria
The young defender has already built a substantial resume within the French youth setup. Over his development years, he earned caps across the under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-20 squads, totaling 38 official matches according to regional reporting. His achievements in blue include lifting the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2022, reaching the under-19 European final in 2024, and representing his country at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2025.
Yet, because he has not yet appeared for the French senior national team, FIFA eligibility rules leave the door open for a switch to the Algerian national team. That possibility drew serious attention earlier when former Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic prepared to call the defender into camp, though administrative hurdles involving his contract status at the time ultimately paused the move as detailed by Winwin.
Reflecting on growing up in the sport, the player noted that discussions regarding a transfer happened the previous year while he remained tied to Real Betis. In conversations about media noise, the 1.96-meter tall defender explained that he isolates himself inside his own bubble alongside his family and friends, avoiding extra pressure because he has grown accustomed to the attention since childhood.
Weighing the Weight of a Famous Name
Carrying the surname Zidane while pursuing a professional football career brings both unique advantages and distinct complications. As the youngest son of French legend Zinedine Zidane and the brother of three professional footballers, Ilyas has spent his life under observation, acknowledging that youth development away from the spotlight proved difficult while expressing pride in a father whose guidance encompassed both athletic training and the lifestyle of a professional athlete.
When you grow up near this environment, and you watch major finals with your father, you dream of living those feelings yourself. At age 20, everything is possible.
Rather than rushing to commit his international future, the 6-foot-5 defender chooses to insulate himself from outside noise as reported by 365Scores. He credits his father with instilling the lifestyle discipline required of a professional athlete, noting that he handles public comparisons by retreating into a personal circle of family and friends.
Establishing Professional Roots at Red Star
The immediate focus for the young center-back remains firmly on club football. After completing his formative training years in Spain with Real Madrid and Real Betis, he signed as a free agent with Red Star this past summer.
I refuse to put myself under pressure, and I prefer to focus on the pitch. My only goal right now is to give everything I have for Red Star, to develop, and to help my team win. As for what comes next, it still has to be written.
The transition to French Ligue 2 has yielded immediate playing time. Following talks with manager Damien Perrinelle, the defender secured a regular place in the squad, making seven appearances out of the team’s first eight matches of the campaign.
