Ranking 9th for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, which recognizes the top under-21 performer, the 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen gem earned exceptionally elite validation. Within an electorate composed solely of past Ballon d’Or recipients, Lionel Messi stood out as the lone panelist putting Ibrahim Maza inside his top three, immediately following two Blaugrana stars, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. That single choice from the Argentine provided the Algerian international with his lone standings point. A detail providing added gravity to this selection.
Interviewed by Sky Sport following Leverkusen’s defeat against VfB Stuttgart (2-4), the attacking midfielder addressed this meaningful gesture. Despite his squad’s setback, Maza shone once again individually by converting a header at the 79th minute mark. This display pushed him into center stage while questions regarding Messi’s vote had already surfaced around media circles.
“Yes, I caught that earlier, but I remained focused on our fixture. I preferred putting that aside initially, waiting until after the final whistle to verify whether it was genuine,” shared Ibo following full-time. “I eventually took a quick look. I got a call as well, naturally; I attempted to tune it out, yet several notifications kept arriving. Still, yes, it represents a tremendous honor being acknowledged and selected by such a figure. And well… unfortunate that we could not crown this today through a victory.”
This endorsement from one of world football’s premier figures highlights above all the spectacular rise of Leverkusen’s playmaker, who keeps capturing attention far past German borders. Between scoring against Stuttgart, earning Messi’s ballot, and finishing 9th in Kopa Trophy standings, Maza navigates an emotionally charged moment, even if team loss slightly muted his individual happiness.
Paris Saint-Germain: Campaign Intensifies for Ibrahim Maza
Speculation will clearly not subside. Even though head coach Luis Enrique hinted that he feels no urgency to sign a new attacking piece during the winter window following Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’s major injury, the concept of acquiring Ibrahim Maza appears to thrill multiple figures around Paris Saint-Germain.
Indeed, prominent figures frequently sitting in the Parc des Princes VIP section wish to see the Algerian grace the capital pitch wearing Paname team colors. The push will likely gain traction across digital networks throughout coming days and weeks. Especially since the Greens’ midfielder keeps delivering stellar displays with Bayer Leverkusen.
Two artists of Algerian background are actively advocating on social channels for Maza to land in Paris. These are comedian Malik Bentalha and renowned musician DJ Snake. Replying to a post from the former, the turntables maestro commented “I have been pressing Nasser (Al-Khelaïfi, club president) for a year.” This promotional drive is genuine. It can only heighten transfer chatter surrounding the Fennec joining the back-to-back European Champions at a time when Bayer Leverkusen seeks to renew and secure their standout asset.
The former Hertha Berlin SC talent’s agreement runs until June 2030. Presently, Maza earns 1.4 million euros annually. These earnings should increase significantly in upcoming weeks should he extend his terms with German executives, who will undoubtedly attach a hefty release clause to maximize profits from a departure that seems bound to happen given the caliber of prospective buyers. As a reminder, the last Algerian wearing Paris colors was Adil Aouchiche (2019-2020). The most legendary remains Mustapha Dahleb (1974-1984), 7th highest scorer in franchise history and regarded as an iconic figure there.