Ibrahim Maza: Bayer Leverkusen Star Who Became Lionel Messi's Surprise Vote For Kopa Trophy 2026

Lionel Messi voted for Ibrahim Maza in his Kopa Trophy picks at Ballon d'Or 2026© AFP

When the official voting breakdowns for the Kopa Trophy were published, one particular name that immediately caught the eye of football fans worldwide was that of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza. Lionel Messi, voting as a former Ballon d'Or winner, decided to hand a point to Bayer Leverkusen's young Algerian international, and he quickly became a hot topic of searches on Google and social media. Messi placed Barcelona's Lamine Yamal at the top of his card, followed by defender Pau Cubarsi in second. His third-place selection was a name that arguably no one expected. The Kopa Trophy is the award that recognises the world's best player under the age of 21.

Out of every voter eligible to cast a ballot for the award, Messi was the only person to name Maza in his top three picks, according to a report published by L'Equipe. That single vote proved decisive, lifting the youngster to ninth overall in the final standings.

When asked about the honour, Maza admitted to Kicker that he tried to stay focused on his upcoming matches as rumors began to spread, but his phone quickly filled with messages once the details became public.

Speaking to German publication Kicker, Maza described receiving recognition from a player of Messi's stature as a huge honour, admitting it brought a real smile to his face.

"I wanted to focus on the game first and tried to put it out of my mind. But then a few messages came through," Maza said after Leverkusen's 2-4 Bundesliga defeat to VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, while also admitting that it's a moment of immense pride for him. "It's a great honour to receive recognition or be voted for by a player like that."

Who Is Ibrahim Maza?

The 20-year-old Maza's path to the German top flight has been impressive. Leverkusen secured his signature from Hertha BSC in the summer of 2025 for a fee of 12 million euros. His current contract runs until 2030. He arrived at the Bay Arena as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool in a 'record' move.

The attacking midfielder hit the ground running in the German Bundesliga, having already scored four goals and three assists in his first 12 competitive appearances for the club, quickly becoming an important part of the attack that also consists of players like Patrick Schick, Moussa Diaby, Martin Terrier, Nathan Tella, etc.

On the pitch, Maza offers a rare mix of technique and versatility that not many players of his age have in modern football. He is comfortable operating in the center as a traditional playmaker, driving down the wings, or slotting in as a second striker. His main strength lies in his ball control and dribbling, allowing him to carry possession out of tight spaces and break through defensive lines. Maza has impressed many despite being just 20 but has potential to do a lot more.

He also has a sharp eye for a key pass in the final third and a powerful long-range shot, showcasing the qualities needed to become a complete modern attacker. With endorsement from none other than the GOAT Messi, Maza's career path suggests his current spell at Leverkusen is only the start of something much bigger.

For his national team, Algeria, Maza has earned a total of 21 international caps and scored 2 goals. He has also featured in the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup for the African side.

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