When the official voting breakdowns for the Kopa Trophy were published following the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza emerged as one of the most talked-about names in world football. The 20-year-old Algerian international secured a surprise third-place vote from Argentine icon Lionel Messi, making him the sole recipient of Messi’s backing in that category alongside Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.
That singular vote from the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star proved decisive in the final tallies, lifting the young midfielder to ninth overall in the global standings for the award recognizing the best under-21 player in world football. Maza admitted that his phone immediately filled with notifications once the ballot details became public knowledge following Leverkusen’s Bundesliga fixture.
Rise Through the Bundesliga Ranks
Maza’s path to prominence has accelerated rapidly since his summer 2025 transfer to Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha BSC for a reported fee of 12 million euros. Tied down to a contract running until 2030, the attacking midfielder was brought in to bolster the squad’s creativity in the final third. His impact on the pitch has been immediate, delivering impressive performances that caught the eye of elite observers worldwide.
- Surprise Endorsement: Lionel Messi uniquely selected Ibrahim Maza as his third-place pick for the Kopa Trophy.
- Final Standing: Messi’s single vote propelled the young Algerian international to a ninth-place finish overall.
- Club Impact: Maza joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 from Hertha BSC on a long-term contract running until 2030.
- Early Statistics: The midfielder has already recorded four goals and three assists across his first 12 competitive appearances.
Player Profile and International Career
Operating comfortably as a central playmaker, out wide on the flanks, or even as a second striker, Maza offers exceptional tactical versatility and technical quality. Known for his close control under pressure and ability to slip past markers in tight spaces, the 20-year-old has established himself as an integral asset for both club and country. On the international stage, Maza has already accumulated 21 caps and scored two goals for Algeria, featuring prominently in continental and global tournaments.
Reflecting on the unexpected recognition from a multiple Ballon d’Or winner, Maza expressed immense pride while speaking to reporters after his club’s recent league outing against VfB Stuttgart. While he initially tried to compartmentalize the rumors to stay entirely focused on match preparations, the sheer scale of the accolade made it a milestone moment in his burgeoning professional career.
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