“I hope 'Ibo' wins the Ballon d’Or one day” – Leverkusen coach backs Maza after ninth-place Kopa Trophy finish

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Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Carles Martinez expressed his support for Ibrahim Maza, saying he hopes Maza wins the Ballon d'Or one day, after Maza finished ninth in the Kopa Trophy voting. Maza joined Leverkusen from Hertha BSC in 2025 and has since risen rapidly. Martinez praised Maza's work ethic and noted that a year ago, few would have expected Maza's Kopa Trophy nomination. Martinez made these comments to Bild.

Martinez highlighted Maza's positive qualities, describing him as a 'top guy' who is liked by everyone because he is helpful and not selfish. According to Martinez, this quality is the most important aspect of being a good teammate and person. While Maza's talent has garnered significant attention, Martinez emphasized the need to continue developing him.

Despite reported interest from top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain in Maza, Martinez is not engaging with speculation about Maza's future, stating that Leverkusen is happy with Maza and wants him to stay until his contract expires in 2030. Martinez's comments to Bild aimed to downplay the transfer rumors surrounding the attacking midfielder.