Algerian Ibrahim Maza, a Bayer Leverkusen player, received a single point in the voting for the season’s Best Young Player award. The point came from Argentine star Lionel Messi, who included Maza in his top-three selection of players under the age of 21.
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According to French newspaper L’Équipe, Maza finished ninth in the final Kopa Trophy standings after Messi ranked him third on his list, behind Spaniards Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. The Algerian player therefore earned his only point in the voting, finishing ahead of Johan Manzambi and behind Eli Junior Kroupi.
Maza’s nomination followed an impressive season in his first campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, during which he scored five goals and provided seven assists in 44 matches. He also delivered strong performances for the Algerian national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
First Algerian to be nominated for the Kopa Trophy
At the age of 20, Maza became the first Algerian player in history to feature among the 10 nominees for the season’s Best Young Player award, which is presented to the best player under the age of 21.
The award’s results are determined by a vote among former Ballon d’Or winners, each of whom selects the three players they consider the best.
Messi’s selection of Maza was particularly notable, especially as the Argentine star had previously faced him in the group-stage match between Argentina and Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which ended in a 3–0 victory for Messi’s national team.
Messi scored a hat-trick in that match, while Maza delivered a notable performance for Algeria. One of his standout moments was setting up a goal for Farès Chaïbi, although it was later ruled out for offside.
