PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ibrahim Maza |
| Date of Birth | 24/11/2005 (Age: 20) |
| Place of Birth | Berlin, Germany |
| Nationality | Algerian |
| Height | 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 79 kg / 174 lb |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #30 (Leverkusen), #22 (Algeria) |
| Current Club | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Previous Clubs | Hertha BSC |
| International Caps | 20 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | €45M |
The Frozen Moment
The Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City was alive with tension. June 23, 2026. Algeria and Jordan were locked in a crucial World Cup group stage encounter, and the Fennecs were fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive after a difficult opening match against Argentina.
The call came. Ibrahim Maza, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder who had been playing for Hertha Berlin’s youth teams just two years earlier, was at the heart of Algeria’s comeback. Though he did not score or assist directly, his control of the midfield was exceptional. He made eight successful tackles and two key passes, orchestrating Algeria’s attacking movements and helping his team dominate the match.
The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Algeria, and Maza was awarded the Man of the Match award by FIFA. It was a moment of profound achievement. For the boy born in Berlin to an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother, who had represented Germany at youth level before choosing Algeria, it was validation of his decision and the culmination of a meteoric rise.
His World Cup campaign would see him make four appearances, accumulating 351 minutes of tournament football. He had fulfilled his childhood dream of competing against his idol Lionel Messi in Algeria’s opening match against Argentina, and now he was being celebrated as one of the tournament’s most exciting young stars. Fans had even given him the nickname “Mazadona,” a tribute to his exceptional talent and growing status in Algerian football.
Origins
Ibrahim Maza was born on November 24, 2005, in Berlin, Germany, to an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother. His heritage gave him eligibility to represent three national teams: Germany, Algeria, and Vietnam.
His connection to Algeria was nurtured from an early age. He spent summers in Algiers visiting grandparents and relatives, growing up immersed in Algerian stories, traditions, and culture despite the geographical distance. He also spoke about his pride in his mother’s Vietnamese heritage, stating: “I am very proud of my mother’s heritage. She is an important part of my life. And I know that Vietnam is where she was born. I would like to have the opportunity to visit there someday.”
His football journey began in the local pitches of Berlin, where he developed the skills and confidence that would define his career. He credited those neighbourhood games for helping shape the footballer he would become, driven by a simple ambition: “I wanted to show the world what I can do.”
The European Forge
Hertha BSC (2018–2025)
Maza joined Hertha Berlin’s youth academy in 2018 and progressed through the ranks, establishing himself as one of the most promising attacking midfielders in German football. He made his Bundesliga debut for Hertha in the 2022-23 season, making two substitute appearances and scoring one goal.
The 2023-24 season saw him become a more regular presence, making 13 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the 2. Bundesliga. In the DFB-Pokal, he made three starts, scoring two goals.
His breakthrough came in the 2024-25 season, when he made 33 league appearances for Hertha, scoring five goals and providing three assists. He also featured in the DFB-Pokal, scoring two goals in three appearances. Across his time at Hertha, he made 51 appearances and scored nine goals.
Bayer Leverkusen (2025–Present)
In the summer of 2025, Maza made the move to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of €12 million. He signed a contract running until 2030. The move represented a significant step up in his career, and he quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football.
His debut Bundesliga season at Leverkusen was a breakthrough campaign. Despite having played only 70 minutes of top-flight football before arriving, he became a regular starter under head coach Kasper Hjulmand, particularly in the second half of the season. He made 28 Bundesliga appearances (20 starts), scoring three goals and providing four assists, with three Man of the Match awards. He also featured in the DFB-Pokal, scoring two goals in four appearances.
In the Champions League, he made 12 appearances (nine starts), providing two assists. Across all competitions, he made 44 appearances, scoring five goals and providing six assists.
The Anatomy of His Game
Maza is a versatile attacking midfielder defined by his technical ability, dribbling skills, and composure. His playing style is modern, favouring an attacking role with an emphasis on progressing the ball and creating opportunities for teammates.
In Possession:
Maza’s technical ability is his standout attribute. He is described by Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes as having “excellent technical skills, strong at dribbling and assertive, and has an eye for his teammates, who he knows how to use brilliantly.” His passing accuracy in the Bundesliga in 2025-26 was 83.1%, and in the Champions League it stood at 83.8%. He averages 1.9 shots per game, demonstrating his willingness to contribute in the final third. He is also capable of scoring from the penalty spot, converting one in the 2024-25 DFB-Pokal.
Out of Possession:
Maza’s work rate and defensive contributions are notable. In the 2026 World Cup, he demonstrated his ability to press effectively, registering eight successful tackles in the match against Jordan. His discipline has been good, with only three yellow cards in his Bundesliga season and none in the World Cup.
Psychological Edge:
Maza’s mentality is one of his defining attributes. His rapid rise from the 2. Bundesliga to the Champions League and World Cup is a testament to his adaptability and self-belief. His composure has been noted by coaches and teammates. His confidence was evident in his declaration before the World Cup: “We will beat Messi, God willing. We have to have a good World Cup.” Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand praised him, saying: “He’s a top, top player. He’s also a top person, who learns very quickly. He says ‘Thank you!’ and works super hard every day. He also learns super fast. He’s just a great player who has a great future ahead of him.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | MotM | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 28 (20/8) | 1,856 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6.96 |
| DFB-Pokal | 4 (3/1) | 308 | 2 | 0 | — | — |
| Champions League | 12 (9/3) | 788 | 0 | 2 | — | 6.77 |
| FIFA World Cup | 4 | 351 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6.62 |
| TOTAL | 48 | 3,303 | 5 | 6 | 4 | — |
TABLE B: Career (Senior Career)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | 28 | 3 | 4 |
| 2025/26 | Bayer Leverkusen | Champions League | 12 | 0 | 2 |
| 2025/26 | Bayer Leverkusen | DFB-Pokal | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Hertha BSC | 2. Bundesliga | 33 | 5 | 3 |
| 2024/25 | Hertha BSC | DFB-Pokal | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Hertha BSC | 2. Bundesliga | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | Hertha BSC | Bundesliga | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 95 | 14 | 11 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | 5 | 2 | 1 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | — | — | Qualified |
| Friendlies | — | — | — | — |
| Algeria Senior Career | 20 | 2 | — | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Born in Berlin | Born to Algerian father and Vietnamese mother |
| 2018 | Hertha Academy | Joined Hertha Berlin’s youth system |
| 2022 | Bundesliga Debut | Made debut for Hertha Berlin aged 17 |
| 2024 | Algeria Debut | International debut on October 10 |
| 2025 | Algeria Goal | Scored first goal, youngest Algeria goalscorer |
| 2025 | Leverkusen Move | Signed for €12M, contract until 2030 |
| 2025 | AFCON Appearance | Scored 2 goals at Africa Cup of Nations |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Algeria’s 26-man squad |
| 2026 | World Cup MOTM | Won Man of the Match vs Jordan |
TABLE E: Honours and Achievements
| Competition | Position | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations | Quarter-Final | 2025 |
| FIFA World Cup | Group Stage | 2026 |
| Bundesliga Rookie of the Month | Winner | November 2025 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has experienced a meteoric rise through the ranks of German and international football. Maza has accumulated 95 senior appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists. His debut season at Leverkusen was a breakout campaign, with three goals and four assists in the Bundesliga and contributions in the Champions League. His market value has risen from €12M to €45M in just one year, reflecting his rapid development and growing reputation.
The Present Tense
Ibrahim Maza is 20 years old and at a crucial stage in his career. He is a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, a World Cup squad member, and one of the most exciting young attacking midfielders in European football.
The Leverkusen Story
Maza joined Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 on a contract until 2030. In his debut season, he made 28 Bundesliga appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists, with three Man of the Match awards. He also featured in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal, accumulating 44 appearances across all competitions. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award in November 2025. Managing director Simon Rolfes described him as “one of the most interesting young attacking players around.”
The World Cup Campaign
Maza was named in Vladimir Petković’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made four appearances in the tournament, accumulating 351 minutes of football. His standout performance came against Jordan on June 23, 2026, where he was awarded the Man of the Match award by FIFA despite not scoring or assisting. He also featured in Algeria’s opening match against Argentina, fulfilling his childhood dream of playing against Lionel Messi. Algeria’s World Cup campaign ended in the group stage.
International Record
Maza has 20 caps for Algeria and has scored two international goals. His senior debut came on October 10, 2024, and he made his mark at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring in the opening game to become the youngest player ever to find the net for Algeria, followed by a goal and assist against Equatorial Guinea.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Maza is defined by his unique heritage and his creative pursuits. He is the son of an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother, and he has expressed pride in both sides of his family. He has spoken about spending summers in Algiers and staying in touch with relatives in Vietnam through his maternal family.
His nickname “Mazadona” is a reflection of the growing belief in his talent. As one report noted, “It is the sort of nickname that can become a burden as easily as it can become a badge of honour. It reflects the growing belief that Algeria may have discovered a player capable of inspiring a new generation.”
Quotes
Speaking ahead of the World Cup, Maza reflected on his ambitions: “We will beat Messi, God willing. We have to have a good World Cup, and the first match against Argentina is very important. They provoke a lot, but we have to stay calm, think clearly, and see how our legs feel and everything else.”
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “I wanted to show the world what I can do.”
On his international allegiance, he stated: “I am very proud of my mother’s heritage. She is an important part of my life. And I know that Vietnam is where she was born. I would like to have the opportunity to visit there someday.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director:
“Ibrahim Maza is currently one of the most interesting young attacking players around. He fits in well with us and our style of football. He has excellent technical skills, is strong at dribbling and assertive, and has an eye for his teammates, who he knows how to use brilliantly.”
Kasper Hjulmand, Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach:
“I’ve already spoken a lot about Maza. He’s a top, top player. He’s also a top person, who learns very quickly. He says ‘Thank you!’ and works super hard every day. He also learns super fast. He’s just a great player who has a great future ahead of him.”
Vladimir Petković, Algeria Head Coach:
“That duo will be an integral part of the future of Algerian football” – speaking about Maza and international teammate Anis Hadj Moussa.
Where Next?
Ibrahim Maza is 20 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. He is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2030 and has established himself as one of the most exciting young attacking midfielders in European football.
For Algeria, he represents the future. With 20 caps already and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he is well-positioned to become a key figure for the Fennecs in the coming years. His technical ability, creativity, and composure make him an ideal candidate for a central role in Algeria’s midfield. Alongside teammates like Anis Hadj Moussa, he is part of what Petković has called “the future of Algerian football.”
For Leverkusen, he is a player of immense potential. His debut season at the club demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level in the Bundesliga and Champions League, and his development will be closely monitored. With his contract until 2030, he is expected to be a key part of the club’s ambitions in domestic and European competitions.
From Berlin to the World Cup, Ibrahim Maza’s journey is a story of rapid rise, exceptional talent, and the power of choosing one’s path. The boy who grew up in Germany, with roots in Algeria and Vietnam, went on to become a World Cup star and one of the most promising young players in world football. His career is a testament to the power of hard work, self-belief, and the increasingly global nature of the beautiful game.
