Algerian footballer Ibrahim Maza, 20, has reacted to Lionel Messi's vote in the 2026 Kopa Trophy, which rewards the best young player under 21. Maza finished 9th in the ranking, with Messi being the only member of the jury to include him in his top three. The jury consisted of former Ballon d'Or winners. Maza plays for Bayer Leverkusen and has been making waves in the football world with his impressive performances.
In an interview with Sky Sport after Leverkusen's 2-4 loss to VfB Stuttgart, Maza discussed Messi's vote. He mentioned that he was focused on the match and didn't want to get distracted by the news. After the game, he learned about Messi's vote and described it as "an enormous honor." Maza also scored a goal in the match, his team's only goal, and acknowledged that the loss tempered his satisfaction with the recognition.
Maza's rise to fame has been swift, and his recognition by Messi has further boosted his profile. The Algerian midfielder has been impressing fans beyond Germany's borders with his skills on the field. His performance in the match against Stuttgart and Messi's vote have generated significant interest in his career. Maza's humility and focus on his team's performance were evident in his post-match comments.
Rumors have been circulating about Maza's potential transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite coach Luis Enrique's comments that the team may not need to sign a new player after Kvicha Kvaratskhelia's injury, fans and some prominent figures are campaigning for Maza to join the team. Comedian Malik Bentalha and musician DJ Snake, both of Algerian origin, have been promoting the idea on social media.
The campaign for Maza to join PSG has gained momentum, with fans and influencers calling for him to make the move. DJ Snake even mentioned that he has been pushing for Maza to join the team for a year. The rumors have sparked interest in Maza's current contract with Bayer Leverkusen, which runs until June 2030. His current salary is 1.4 million euros per year, which is expected to increase if he signs an extension.
Maza's potential transfer to PSG would not be unprecedented, as several Algerian players have played for the team in the past. Mustapha Dahleb, a legendary player, is the 7th top scorer in PSG's history, and Adil Aouchiche played for the team from 2019 to 2020. If Maza makes the move, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors.
As the speculation surrounding Maza's future continues, one thing is certain - his talent and dedication have earned him recognition from top players and fans alike. With his impressive performances on the field and his humility off it, Maza is set to make a significant impact in the football world.
Key points
- Ibrahim Maza finished 9th in the 2026 Kopa Trophy ranking, with Lionel Messi being the only jury member to include him in his top three.
- Maza's potential transfer to PSG has gained momentum, with fans and influencers campaigning for the move on social media.
- Maza's current contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until June 2030, with a salary of 1.4 million euros per year.
