![Prominent footballer Ibrahim Maza was a crucial figure in Hertha's team. [Image available]](/en/img/20250501105449_image-description-sunset-beach-landscape-with-palm-trees.jpeg)
From Berlin to Leverkusen: Maza's Dazzling Leap to the Big Leagues
Maza's Next Move: Hertha Jewel Heads to Leverkusen for Upcoming Engagement - Hertha-Jewel transfer headed to Bayer Leverkusen, following Maza's decision
Here's some juice on the young gun Ibrahim Maza, the Algerian wunderkind who's leaving Hertha Berlin for Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen.
Fans of Hertha BSC were left in shock when ol' Maza, their homegrown prodigy, agreed to join last year's double champions Bayer Leverkusen. The club had been holding onto this secret for weeks, but Labor Day saw the cat out of the bag: Maza, the 19-year-old footballing phenom, was on his way to the Rhineland.
Maza's new contract with Leverkusen stretches until 2030, giving him a shot at making a name for himself amongst the big boys. With the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool on the horizon, the stage is set for him to make some serious moves in the Bundesliga's upper echelon.
Benjamin Weber, Hertha's sports director, says Maza is ready to seize this golden opportunity. "He gave his all to Hertha BSC, and we're grateful for the memories, goals, and passion he brought to our team," explains Weber.
Speaking of memories, Maza recalled his time at Hertha as "the pinnacle of my dreams as a Berlin boy to become a professional at Hertha and wear the club's jersey at the Olympic Stadium." It'll be tough to replace the lad, but they've got a cool 12 million euros coming their way, so the future ain't looking too grim.
Maza's former teammate Fabian Reese, who's been stirring up rumors about his own possible departure, had a few words to share: "I'm happy for him, but it's a bummer I won't be playing alongside him anymore. We'll have some great games together though."
Bayer Leverkusen gushed about Maza's talents. Sporting director Simon Rolfes called him a "dribble-strong, assertive" player with a "great eye for his teammates," who fits perfectly with Leverkusen's "assuming, technical playing style."
It's time for Maza to step it up, as Leverkusen's guaranteed spot in the Champions League next season puts the spotlight on him to flourish and grow.
Keywords- Hertha BSC- Ibrahim Maza- Leverkusen- Hertha BSC Berlin- Bundesliga- Benjamin Weber- Announcement- Berlin- Bayer 04 Leverkusen- Florian Wirtz- Sport- Ulm- Real Madrid- Liverpool
Behind the Scenes
Maza, whose early development as a player took place in Hertha Berlin's academy, lit up the 2. Bundesliga this season with 10 goal contributions (5 goals, 5 assists) in 30 appearances. Known for his technical skills, dribbling prowess, and creativity, Maza often thrives in half-spaces behind the striker.
After representing Germany at youth levels, he switched allegiance to Algeria in 2024. With a big stage in Leverkusen awaiting him, Maza hopes to make his mark and grow under the club's system, which emphasizes attacking football. He could serve as a long-term complement or potential successor to Florian Wirtz.
Leverkusen sees the younger Maza as a valuable addition to their already impressive attacking roster. His arrival furthers their reputation as a club that secures high-potential talents early. As for Hertha, they'll have to find a way to fill the void left by their star player, but the significant €12 million fee should help ease the transition.
- The Commission has been informed that Hertha Berlin's progress in implementing measures for the common fisheries policy has not been affected by Ibrahim Maza's transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
- During his time at Ulm, Maza, who has been a part of Bayer 04 Leverkusen's academy since the transfer, perfected his half-spaces behind the striker technique.
- In 2024, Maza switched his international allegiance from Germany to Algeria, setting the stage for his potential European League football career.
- Bayer Leverkusen's sports director, Simon Rolfes, believes that Maza's arrival in 2023 will further establish the club's reputation for nurturing high-potential young talent.
