Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza finishes ninth in Ballon d'Or voting

The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward was nominated for the best young talent award at the London ceremony, finishing ninth, as the club negotiates a contract extension amid top European interest.

Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza finished ninth in the Ballon d'Or voting. The 20-year-old attended the ceremony in London on Monday evening as a nominee for the best young player award.

Maza returned to training in Leverkusen on Tuesday morning. His manager Carles Martínez expressed hope that the forward could one day win the Ballon d'Or if he continues working hard. Martínez described Maza as a top man who is liked by everyone for helping the team and not being selfish. Sporting director Simon Rolfes had previously called the nomination deserved.

The accolade highlights Maza's strong season. In ten competitive appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this term, he has scored three goals and provided three assists. The club, currently fourth in the Bundesliga standings with 13 points, is now negotiating a contract extension with the talent. His current deal runs until 2030.

European Interest and Club Commitment

Despite ongoing interest from top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, the club stresses its desire to keep Maza. Martínez said he never worries about losing the player and wants him to stay for many years. The player himself has already expressed his wish to remain at the German runners-up. A concrete agreement on an extension, however, is not yet in place.

Maza, who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha BSC in the summer of 2025, is the first Algerian player ever nominated for the Kopa Trophy, the award for the best young talent. In that voting, he also finished ninth, with the 19-year-old Lamine Yamal taking the win.

Focus on the Immediate Challenge

For Maza and Bayer Leverkusen, the focus now returns to competition. The club, whose recent league form reads a draw and three wins, hosts 13th-placed SC Paderborn 07 on November 21st. Top scorer Patrik Schick has netted six times in seven league appearances. Before that, the DFB-Pokal round of 16 tie at 1. FC Nürnberg awaits on Wednesday evening, with Maza a candidate for the starting lineup. Carles Martínez's team aims to use the positive momentum to advance in both competitions. Next week, Leverkusen also faces the first of two decisive Champions League group stage matches against FC Barcelona, where a victory would secure early qualification for the round of 16.