Lionel Messi ranked Ibrahim Maza third in his voting for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, an award ultimately won by Lamine Yamal. Ibrahim Maza addressed the recognition following his match for Bayer Leverkusen against Stuttgart on 2 November 2026. Regarding the timing of the news, Ibrahim Maza stated: "نعم رأيت الخبر قبل قليل، ولكنني كنت مركزا على المباراة، ولم أرغب بالانشغال بهذا الأمر حينها."
Ibrahim Maza further described his reaction to the ranking provided by the Inter Miami forward. "أردت التأكد بعد المباراة من صحة الخبر. نعم اطلعت عليه، تلقيت اتصالا بالطبع، وحاولت ألا أنشغل بالأمر، لكن وصلتني بعض الرسائل. إنه شرف كبير لي أن يختارني ويقدرني لاعب بمكانته," he added. The voting process for the award is organized by France Football.
Ranking and Performance Statistics
Ibrahim Maza secured ninth place in the final 2026 Kopa Trophy rankings following the conclusion of the voting process conducted by France Football. The award recognizes the performance of young players throughout the football season.
Bayer Leverkusen records indicate that Ibrahim Maza has participated in 12 matches for the club during the 2026 season. Across these appearances, he recorded 4 goals and provided 3 assists. His contributions helped define his standing among the candidates evaluated for the annual youth honor, which was ultimately awarded to Lamine Yamal. Pau Cubarsí also featured in the voting considerations for the trophy alongside other young professionals. Ibrahim Maza remains an active member of the Bayer Leverkusen squad as the German domestic campaign continues.
The 2026 Kopa Trophy, organized annually by France Football, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the technical development and impact of emerging talent within professional football. By finishing in ninth place, Ibrahim Maza established himself among the top young performers assessed during the 2026 cycle. This ranking reflects the data collected by France Football, which compiles votes from a panel of international experts to determine the final standings for the award.
The recognition from Lionel Messi, a former winner of various individual football honors, notes the visibility Ibrahim Maza has gained through his consistent performance at Bayer Leverkusen. Within the 2026 season, Ibrahim Maza has played 12 matches for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists. These performance statistics are tracked by club officials to monitor the trajectory of players within the squad.
The inclusion of players such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí in the voting process shows the competitive nature of the 2026 Kopa Trophy. As the 2026 season progresses, the performance of Ibrahim Maza continues to be a focal point for Bayer Leverkusen. The player remains focused on his responsibilities within the team, balancing individual honors with the ongoing requirements of the German domestic campaign. The acknowledgment by Lionel Messi represents a notable moment in the professional career of Ibrahim Maza, drawing attention to his growth and technical contribution to his club. France Football continues to manage the administrative aspects of the trophy, ensuring that the voting process remains consistent with established criteria for identifying the most promising young talent in the sport. Ibrahim Maza continues to train and compete for Bayer Leverkusen, aiming to maintain his form as the season reaches its subsequent stages.
