Messi, who utilized his privilege as a former Ballon d'Or winner to participate in the voting, placed Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal first and Pau Cubarsi second. His inclusion of Maza in the final spot of his ballot was unexpected, as the Leverkusen playmaker was the only voter among the entire panel to include him in their top three. This singular vote proved significant, propelling Maza to ninth place in the final overall rankings for the prestigious youth award.
A Moment of Pride for the Rising Star
The news of the endorsement quickly spread across social media, catching Maza off guard during a busy period of the Bundesliga season. Speaking to the German publication Kicker following Leverkusen’s 4-2 defeat to VfB Stuttgart, the midfielder admitted that while he initially attempted to maintain his focus on club duties, the influx of messages made it impossible to ignore the significance of the moment.
Maza expressed that receiving such recognition from a player of Messi’s stature was a profound honor. He noted that while he tried to keep his mind on his upcoming matches, the acknowledgment brought a genuine smile to his face and served as a source of immense pride in his burgeoning career.
Maza’s Rapid Rise at the Bay Arena
Maza’s path to prominence has been swift since his 12 million euro move from Hertha BSC to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025. Signed to a contract running until 2030, he was brought into the squad as a potential successor to Florian Wirtz following Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool. The 20-year-old has adapted quickly to his new environment, contributing four goals and three assists across his first 12 competitive appearances for the club.
Tactically, Maza has distinguished himself through his versatility and technical proficiency. Capable of playing as a traditional central playmaker, operating on the wings, or functioning as a second striker, he has become a key component of the Leverkusen attack. His ability to navigate tight spaces with precise ball control and his capacity to deliver incisive passes in the final third have marked him as a standout talent. Beyond his club success, Maza has already established himself on the international stage, earning 21 caps for Algeria and representing his nation at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
