World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza
Ibrahim Maza's first Bundesliga season was a cracker - what can Bayer Leverkusen's Algeria international now do on the global stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Name: Ibrahim Maza
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Nation: Algeria
International debut: 10 October 2024
Caps: 15
International goals: 2
Stats correct as of 7 May 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
‘Breakthrough’ would be one way to describe how Maza’s 2025/26 campaign has gone. The Germany-born playmaker only stepped away from the home comforts of Berlin and Hertha – where he had been since 2018 – in summer 2025.
He had only played 70 minutes of top-flight football before arriving in Leverkusen, but you never would have guessed it. Kasper Hjulmand has started him regularly, particularly in the second half of the season, which was all the more impressive given he started it on international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
What he brings to the national team
Former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petković persuaded Maza – then just 18 – to swap international allegiance from his birth country to that of his family’s pedigree, and it has proven a fruitful decision for both parties. After helping Algeria reach the Nations Cup, he scored in their opening game to become the youngest player ever to find the net for the northern African country. He followed that up with a goal and assist in the victory over Equatorial Guinea in the final group game to make it a successful major competition premiere.
What his coaches say
"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." - Hjulmand
"That duo will be an integral part of the future of Algerian football." – Vladimir Petković on Maza and international teammate Anis Hadj Moussa
