Ibrahim Maza: Algeria's World Cup Star with German-Vietnamese Roots

Berlin, Germany — Ekhbary News Agency

Ibrahim Maza, the burgeoning football talent from Bayer Leverkusen, has committed to representing the Algerian national team at the upcoming World Cup in North America, opting against playing for his birth country, Germany. Describing himself as a "multicultural kid" with German, Algerian, and Vietnamese nationalities, Maza's decision sparked considerable discussion within German football circles. Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's national coach, along with millions of fans, seemingly recognized Maza's potential value for the German squad. However, it was too late; Maza had already pledged his international allegiance to Algeria, his father's homeland, a country his father left as a young man to build a new life in Germany.

From Berlin's Youth Academies to Professional Stardom

Born in Berlin in 2005 to an Algerian father, Sofiane from Algiers, and a Vietnamese mother they met in Germany, Ibrahim was introduced to his father's homeland through stories and frequent family visits during summer holidays. "We basically spent every summer vacationing there and visiting family," Maza told Bayer Leverkusen's in-house channel. Nevertheless, "Ibo" honed his football skills in Berlin, joining Reinickendorfer Füchse, a club renowned for its youth development. Maza moved to Hertha Berlin at age 12, turning professional in 2023. After two seasons in Bundesliga 2, he transferred to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025, securing a spot in the Champions League. By this point, he was already an Algerian international.

AFCON Brilliance and World Cup Aspirations

Former Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand praised Maza as a "top, top player" and an "incredible human being," highlighting his work ethic and rapid learning ability. In his debut Bundesliga season, Maza emerged as a standout performer for Leverkusen, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 28 appearances. The highlight of his past season, however, was his participation with Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations. "It was absolutely crazy," Maza recalled, describing the electrifying stadium atmosphere. Despite the "Fennecs" being eliminated by Nigeria in the quarterfinals, Maza was a key player. Now, he looks forward to the World Cup, where Algeria will face reigning champions Argentina in Group J. This is a significant challenge, but one he views as a crucial opportunity to prove himself on the global stage.