Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza has opened up about his choice to represent Algeria over Germany and addressed Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann’s comments expressing regret over his decision.
The 20-year-old spoke about the emotional toll of Algeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit against Nigeria and the reasons behind his tears after the defeat.
Maza, who has emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest talents, reflected on his decision to commit to Algeria despite his eligibility for Germany and Vietnam.
Speaking ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s clash with Olympiacos, he said, “It’s nice if he means me. It makes me proud.” He emphasized that his choice was personal and emotional, not driven by sporting considerations.
“I am multicultural, with three nationalities: German, Algerian, and Vietnamese. I could have represented Vietnam as well. I love all three countries, but ultimately my decision was for personal reasons.”
The midfielder’s performances at AFCON 2025 highlighted his technical skill and football intelligence, establishing him as one of Africa’s emerging stars.
Despite Algeria’s narrow exit to Nigeria, Maza’s talent and versatility have already drawn praise from pundits, who view him as a potential successor to Riyad Mahrez as Algeria’s key playmaker after the 2026 World Cup.
On his emotional reaction after the Nigeria defeat, Maza admitted the disappointment hit hard.
“I came to the tournament with a winning mindset. Exiting this way was bitter, and naturally I felt mixed emotions. There was anger and sadness, but that’s part of the game. We can learn from mistakes to improve and achieve better results next time.”
Maza’s words underline the personal and emotional weight carried by players navigating international allegiance choices, particularly those with multiple nationalities.
