Ballon d'Or: "He is simply remarkable," a heartfelt tribute to Maza

Just confirmed as one of the ten candidates for the 2025-2026 Young Male Talent award, Ibrahim Maza has already generated significant interest. The official Ballon d'Or website published a lengthy article detailing his journey, his Algerian roots, and the praise that accompanies his rise.

Known as “Mazadona” in Algeria, Ibrahim Maza is no longer seen as just a promise. At just 20 years old, the attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen finds himself alongside Lamine Yamal, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Pau Cubarsí among the contenders for the Young Male Talent award. The official Ballon d'Or website chose to tell the story of the young Algerian international in detail.

The profile highlights his arrival at Leverkusen in 2025 and his particularly fruitful first season, with 61 appearances, 7 goals, and 7 assists across all competitions. This campaign also allowed him to shine in the Champions League, especially during Bayer's 2-0 victory against Manchester City, where Maza provided an assist.

However, it is the praise from his former coach, Kasper Hjulmand, that stands out in the profile. The Danish coach did not hesitate to hold Maza in high regard : “He is a player of very high level. But above all, he is an exceptional person. We can ask a lot from him, and when we do, his response is always: ‘Thank you.’ Then he gets to work and invests himself fully. Every day. He learns very quickly. He is simply an exceptional player, with a bright future ahead of him.”

The Ballon d'Or also emphasizes the discipline Maza developed during his training. From a young age, the Algerian conducted training sessions before and after school, a rigor that he believes helped shape his character.

His decision to represent Algeria is also widely discussed. The site notably recalls his childhood admiration for Riyad Mahrez and his memory of the 2014 World Cup Round of 16 match against Germany.

A few years later, Maza himself participated in the 2026 World Cup with the Fennecs, playing in all four of the team's matches. He describes the experience as unforgettable: “The World Cup is the biggest tournament in the world. Just being able to participate and play four matches was already incredible. An experience like that is never forgotten.”

Now, Maza is officially in the running for the Young Talent award. Despite the spotlight, he assures that he remains grounded: “I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just excited to play the matches.”

Who is Ibrahim Maza and why is he called Mazadona? ✨

Discover the story of Algeria's new star ⬇️ #ballondorhttps://t.co/rAiRgIj2Wx

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 10, 2026

DZfoot