Elyaz Zidane is just one step away from reaching the final of the Under-20 World Cup, nearly two decades after his father, Zinédine Zidane, lost in the final against Italy. The younger son of the former French national team star is set to play in the semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday at 10 PM (French time), with live commentary available on RMC Sport’s website. This presents a significant opportunity for Elyaz to carve out his own identity in the world of football.
At just 19 years old, the central defender, who plays for the reserve team of Real Betis, has emerged as a key player for the French U20 team, having been the most utilized player by coach Bernard Diomède throughout the tournament. This reflects the growing trust in his abilities and highlights his importance to the team’s success.
Diomède, who played alongside Zinédine Zidane during the 1998 World Cup, praised Elyaz for his technical finesse and physical attributes. “As a left-footer myself, I can recognize quality,” he noted. “Elyaz has that technical finesse combined with his height. It’s essential to give him the space to express himself.” Diomède also acknowledged the pressure Elyaz faces as a member of the Zidane legacy, emphasizing that expectations can be overwhelming for a player in his position.
Elyaz, born on December 26, 2005, has been developing his skills with the youth academies, having played for Real Madrid before joining Betis’s reserve team in 2024. Although he has yet to make his professional debut, he has attracted the attention of scouts from prominent Spanish clubs, as reported by the Catalan media outlet Mundo Deportivo.
As he progresses in this tournament, Elyaz Zidane is poised to not only honor his family’s legacy but also to forge his own path in the world of football. His journey is closely watched, and many are hopeful for his continued success.