Born in Berlin to an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother, Ibrahim Maza could have lined up for any of three nations. In the end, the Bayer Leverkusen forward followed his heart to North Africa — and Germany’s loss became Algeria’s gain.
Three nationalities, one choice
“I’m a multicultural kid with three different nationalities: Germany, Algeria, and Vietnam,” Maza explained earlier this year. By the time German football realized just how valuable he could be, the decision had already been made — and it could not be undone.
Maza had committed his senior international future to Algeria, the country his father had left behind as a young man. That meant Julian Nagelsmann and Germany’s many self-appointed selectors had to watch one of the country’s brightest emerging talents pull on a different shirt.
From Algiers to Berlin: a family story
His father, Sofiane, grew up in Algiers before relocating to Germany, where he met his Vietnamese wife. Their son Ibrahim arrived in Berlin in 2005. The connection to Algeria was never lost, kept alive through family trips and his father’s stories.
“I went there often with my father,” Maza told Leverkusen’s in-house channel Werkself-TV. “We basically spent every summer vacationing there and visiting family.”
Learning the game in Reinickendorf
Football, however, was forged in Berlin. As a boy, “Ibo” joined Reinickendorfer Füchse, a club famous for producing professionals such as Kevin-Prince Boateng and Thomas Hässler, who lifted the World Cup with Germany in 1990.
At 12 he moved to Hertha Berlin, turning professional in 2023. Two seasons in the second division followed before Bayer Leverkusen came calling in the summer of 2025 — bringing with it the chance to test himself in the Champions League.
Why he picked Algeria
By that point Maza was already an Algerian international. Despite having represented Germany at youth level, he opted for his father’s homeland at senior level.
“I love all three countries, and in the end, I made my decision for various reasons, which will remain private,” he said.
A player on the rise
Maza’s game is built on quick feet, acceleration, vision and a relentless work rate. He can twist away from defenders the instant the ball reaches him and drive an attack forward in moments.
Former Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand was effusive in his praise: “He is a top, top player. But the truth is: He is a top human being. You can work him hard, because when you do, he says: ‘Thank you’ and works incredibly hard. Every single day. He is a very fast learner. He is simply a superb player with a great future ahead of him.”
In his first Bundesliga campaign, the teenager exceeded all expectations, becoming a regular starter at just 19. Across 28 league outings he registered three goals and six assists, added two goals in four German Cup matches, and featured 12 times in the Champions League.
Goosebumps at the Africa Cup of Nations
The standout experience of his season, though, came with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It was absolutely crazy. When we arrived at the stadium two hours before kickoff, it was already packed with fans. It was so loud. That was the first time I got goosebumps,” he recalled.
One of the youngest in the squad, Maza was also among the brightest performers for the “Fennecs,” even as they fell to Nigeria in the quarterfinals.
“I came into the tournament with the mindset of winning it,” he said. “So to be knocked out in that manner was simply bitter… I was a bit angry and sad after the match. But that’s part of the game. You can learn from it, even from the mistakes.”
Next stop: the World Cup and a Messi shirt
That next chance is the World Cup. Drawn in Group J, Algeria face holders Argentina, Austria and debutants Jordan, with the knockout rounds firmly in their sights.
Maza has a personal mission too. “The crazy thing is that we’re playing against Argentina, against Lionel Messi, whom I grew up watching,” he told the German Football League. “I’m going to try to get his jersey. Maybe he’ll actually see this. So: Please, give me your jersey!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries was Ibrahim Maza eligible to represent?
Maza was eligible for Germany (where he was born), Algeria (his father’s homeland) and Vietnam (his mother’s heritage).
Why did he choose Algeria over Germany?
He represented Germany at youth level but committed to Algeria at senior level. He has said the reasons behind his decision are personal and will remain private.
What club does Ibrahim Maza play for?
He joined Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 after coming through Reinickendorfer Füchse and Hertha Berlin.
Who are Algeria’s World Cup group opponents?
Algeria are in Group J alongside reigning champions Argentina, Austria and tournament newcomers Jordan.
Conclusion
Ibrahim Maza’s path from a Berlin youth academy to the World Cup stage reflects both his rapid development and the multicultural identity he proudly embraces. Having chosen Algeria, the gifted forward now hopes to repay that faith on the biggest stage — and, perhaps, walk away with Lionel Messi’s shirt as a souvenir.