Ibrahim Maza chooses Algeria after three-nationality decision
ibrahim maza has chosen Algeria for his senior international career after being eligible for Germany and Vietnam as well. Born in Berlin in 2005, the Bayer 04 Leverkusen player described himself as a “Multikulti-Junge” with three different nationalities and said his family background shaped that choice.
“Ich liebe alle drei Länder und habe mich zum Schluss aus verschiedenen Gründen entschieden - die sind privat,” Maza said about the decision. He had already played for Germany from the U17 level to the U20 level before settling on Algeria.
Berlin, Algiers and Vietnamese roots
Maza’s path to Algeria runs through three countries. His father, Sofiane, comes from Algiers and moved to Germany as a young man, while Maza’s mother has Vietnamese roots and also holds German citizenship. Maza said he often went to Algeria with his father: “Ich bin mit meinem Vater oft dort gewesen.”
He added: “Wir haben eigentlich jeden Sommer dort Urlaub gemacht und die Familie besucht.” Those trips made Algeria more than a name on a passport. They also explain why the country was not just one of three options, but the one he finally picked for his senior career.
Hertha BSC to Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Maza learned his trade in Berlin at Reinickendorfer Füchse before moving to Hertha BSC at age 12. He became a professional at Hertha in 2023 and joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen in summer 2025 after two years in the 2. Bundesliga.
His first Bundesliga season for Leverkusen brought 28 league appearances, three goals and six assists. He also made four DFB-Pokal appearances with two goals and played 12 Champions League matches without scoring.
Algeria senior choice
His switch leaves Germany and Vietnam without a senior international commitment from a player who had already been part of Germany’s youth setup from U17 to U20. Kasper Hjulmand called him “Er ist ein top, top Spieler” and added: “Die Wahrheit aber ist: Er ist ein top Mensch, er lernt sehr schnell.”
Hjulmand also said: “Du kannst auch hart mit ihm arbeiten, denn dann sagt er 'Dankeschön' und arbeitet super hart - jeden Tag.” He added: “Er lernt auch superschnell.” For Algeria, Maza already described his Africa Cup experience as “Es war völlig verrückt.”
