"Ibo's nomination – particularly when you consider the other names on the list, such as Lamine Yamal – shows just how high a standard our players and our team are performing at,” said Bayer 04 managing director sport Simon Rolfes. “I’m also particularly pleased, of course, for our youth academy that Kerim Alajbegovic – another player who came through our youth ranks – is on the list.”
Maza moved from the youth section at Hertha Berlin to Leverkusen in the summer of 2025. Last season, the 20-year-old made 44 appearances for the Werkself across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. In the Champions League clash away to Benfica (1-0), Maza was also voted ‘Player of the Match’. This summer, the attacking midfielder represented Algeria at the World Cup in North America, starting all four matches.
Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
Alongside Maza, former Leverkusen player Alajbegovic is also on the shortlist in the ‘Men’s Young Talent of the Year’ category. The forward represented Bayer 04 youth teams from 2021 to 2025. The Bosnian World Cup participant scored 38 goals and provided 19 assists in 78 matches for the Leverkusen U19s. He did not play for the first team. This summer, the club transferred the 18-year-old to Italian record champions Juventus.
The shortlist of ten players in the ‘Men’s Young Talent of the Year’ category for 2026: Kerim Alajbegovic, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Pau Cubarsi, Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, Eli Junior Kroupi, Lamine Yamal, Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Maza, Warren Zaïre-Emery.
About the Ballon d'Or:
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious award in football and was established in 1956 by the sports journal France Football. Since 2024, the awards have been presented in collaboration with UEFA. The 2026 awards ceremony will take place on 26 October – in London for the first time, as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations.
A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.
Show more
The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.
Show more
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
Show more
Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win against Union Berlin on Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season...
Show more
Bayer 04 have been handed a home tie in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal after being paired with Nürnberg in Saturday evening’s draw at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. Games will be played on 27/28 October, with the German FA to confirm kick-off times in due course.
Show more
