The most valuable Vietnamese-born prodigy in the world leaves the German national coach regretful

Vietnamese-origin player Ibrahim Maza speaks out about coach Julian Nagelsmann after choosing not to play for the German national team.

Young attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza is becoming a highly talked-about figure after officially confirming his decision to represent Algeria at the international level. The 2005-born player’s choice has drawn significant attention because he holds three nationalities—German, Algerian, and Vietnamese—and was previously on the radar of the Vietnam Football Federation.

Maza admits he has a special affection for all three homelands. His mother is Vietnamese, his father is Algerian, and he grew up and developed his football career in Germany. Therefore, making a final decision was far from easy, as it involved not just professional considerations but also family ties and personal emotions.

Nevertheless, his biggest career ambition helped Maza clearly determine his path. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder emphasized that his goal is to participate in a World Cup. When weighing emotional ties against career opportunities, he believes that playing for Algeria offers a more realistic chance to fulfill that dream.

Before deciding, the 20-year-old also considered playing for Germany. However, he understood that competition for the attacking midfield position in the “Die Mannschaft” is extremely fierce, with stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. In such a tough environment, the chance to play in the World Cup becomes even more distant.

Maza’s decision caused German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann to express regret. The coach stated that it is difficult to see a talent choose a different path, but he respects the player’s heartfelt wishes. Maza responded with appreciation and said he is pleased to still be remembered by this top strategist.

Currently, the midfielder of Vietnamese descent has made 13 appearances and scored 2 goals for Algeria. He is valued at up to 25 million euros, the highest among Vietnamese-origin players to date. If he continues to develop, the possibility of Maza appearing at the world’s biggest football event representing North Africa is entirely feasible.

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