Ibrahim Maza: Who is Bayer Leverkusen's new Algerian wonderkid?
After emerging as one of Bundesliga 2's brightest talents with Hertha Berlin, teenager Ibrahim Maza will now join Bayer Leverkusen from the 2025/26 season. bundesliga.com takes a closer look at the Algerian Wunderkind...
Stats correct as of 01 May 2025
Age: 19 (born 24 November 2005)
Club: Hertha Berlin (joining Bayer Leverkusen for 2025/26)
Position: Midfielder
Country: Algeria (two caps)
Before becoming a midfield mainstay for Hertha, Berlin-born Maza was on the books of local side Reinickendorf Füchse. It wasn’t long before the Alte Dame spotted the capital's shining light, however, and he joined the club’s academy at the age of 11.
Just six years later, Maza completed the transition from the playing fields of Berlin to the bright lights of the Bundesliga, coming on as a late substitute against Bayern Munich, of all teams, at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Maza scored his first professional goal just one month later, netting against Wolfsburg on the final day of the campaign to become the youngest goalscorer in the Hertha history, aged 17 years, six months and three days.
After Hertha’s first relegation from the Bundesliga since 2009/10, Maza struggled with a knee injury that forced him to miss over half the ensuing campaign before returning on Matchday 21 against Greuther Fürth. It has been a much different story in 2024/25, though, with the Algeria international starting all but one game in the league up to and including Matchday 32 (due to suspension), registering five goals and three assists, while he also ranks eighth in the division for individual duels (both attacking and defensive) won.
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Naturally, Maza’s quality caught the eye at international level as well as those in charge at Leverkusen. He represented Germany’s U18, U19 and U20 sides before pledging his allegiance to Algeria, his father's homeland. So far, he has made two senior appearances for their national side, playing alongside the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Bundesliga stars such as Ramy Bensebaini, Farès Chaïbi and Mohamed Amoura. His debut for the Desert Foxes came in a 5-1 win over Togo at the end of 2024.
Plays a bit like: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Just like the former Borussia Dortmund magician, Maza cause problems from across the midfield thanks to his varied skillset. Excellent close control, a penchant for hitting the ball from distance and an impressive range of passing combine to make Maza one of German football’s most exciting talents.
Did you know?
As well as Germany and Algeria, Maza could also have played for Vietnam through his mother.
What they’re saying
"Ibrahim is one of the most interesting young attackers right now. He's the right fit for us and our style of football. He has outstanding technical abilities, is a good dribbler and also has vision for his teammates, knowing how to set them up in a brilliant way." - Leverkusen managing director for sport Simon Rolfes
"I had the best opportunity to develop and improve with Hertha in Bundesliga 2. Now I want to prove myself at one of Europe's top clubs on the biggest stage. I can develop further here in Leverkusen and win the titles - that's what drives me." - Maza on his 2025 move to Leverkusen
"The kid's full of confidence. He takes a sip of water, then gets straight back to it. He's a real talent." - Hertha captain Toni Leistner
"He's invaluable when he comes on as a sub in the 60th or 70th minute. He knows he has to fight when all the others are fit, but you can see that's what he's willing to do." - Former Hertha head coach Pál Dardai
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