Algerian international Ibrahim Maza is attracting significant interest from Barcelona and Arsenal following a standout performance at the World Cup, according to reports in Italy. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, was named Player of the Match in Algeria’s recent victory over Jordan, orchestrating a comeback win that earned him the nickname “Mazadona” from Algerian fans.
Maza, born in Berlin to an Algerian father and Vietnamese mother, chose to represent Algeria despite being eligible for Germany and Vietnam. He began his youth career in Germany, progressing through the ranks to the Under-20 level before committing to the Algerian national team two years ago. He earned his first cap for Algeria in October 2024 in a Nations Cup qualifier against Togo.
Currently at Bayer Leverkusen, Maza joined the club last summer for a fee of €12 million and signed a contract that runs until 2030, with an annual salary of €1.32 million. He has since made his Champions League debut under coach Kasper Hjulmand. Prior to Leverkusen, Maza came through the Hertha Berlin academy, making his Bundesliga debut at age 17 against Bayern Munich in April 2023.
Leverkusen recently appointed Carles Martínez Novell as their new head coach, but there is a possibility Maza may not play under him. Barcelona and Arsenal are both reportedly interested in signing the player, and Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has indicated that Maza is valued at no less than €45 million. The potential sale could see Maza move to a top European club after a promising start to his career.
