Elyaz Zidane shines in Ligue 2 while Enzo’s career ends

Elyaz Zidane, 20, made a decisive assist for Red Star in a 0-1 Ligue 2 victory at Nantes, wearing the name “Elyaz” above the number 15 on his back. The match at Beaujoire was played behind closed doors on Friday, and his pass set up Kevin Cabral’s winner.

Elyaz’s rise at Red Star

Born in Vitrolles in the Marseille region, Elyaz trained at Real Madrid alongside his three older brothers before leaving Castilla in 2024. He then joined Real Betis’ reserve side, never breaking into the first team, and departed Sevilla at the end of his contract to answer the call of Red Star in Saint‑Ouen.

His debut for the club came in the away fixture against Nantes, where he was handed a starting spot and immediately delivered the assist that secured the 0-1 win. The performance earned him praise and a place in the starting eleven for the upcoming match against Sochaux.

Divergent paths of the Zidane brothers

Enzo, a former attacking midfielder of Rodez, has already hung up his boots, marking a stark contrast to his younger sibling’s ascent. Luca Zidane, 28, continues his career in Spain’s Liga 2, having joined Leganés in recent days after representing Algeria at the Coupe du monde 2026. Théo, 24, plies his trade as a midfield relay for Cordoue, also competing in the Spanish segunda.

Red Star will face Sochaux at the Bauer stadium this Friday, giving Elyaz another chance to cement his place in the side. The club’s schedule provides a platform for the defender to build on his promising start.

Future outlook and Premier League talk

After his debut, a Ligue 2‑focused X account published a glowing report, noting that “Ce défenseur central gaucher possède déjà un mélange prometteur de qualités techniques et physiques et pourrait être une surprise dans le groupe surchargé des U21 français cette saison.” The observer likened him to former LOSC stalwart Sven Botman, now at Newcastle.

The comparison has sparked speculation that Elyaz could one day follow his brothers into the Premier League, a prospect that seems increasingly realistic after his immediate impact in French professional football.

The contrast between Elyaz’s upward trajectory and the stalled or concluded careers of Enzo, Luca and Théo highlights the varied fortunes within the Zidane family, underscoring how a single breakthrough can reshape expectations for the next generation.