"Mazadona" injured… Algeria holds its breath

In partnership with

Foot Africa

·25 February 2026

"Mazadona" injured… Algeria holds its breath

Algeria holds its breath for Maza

Ibrahim Maza/@FAF

OneFootball Videos

Algeria is holding its breath after its playmaker Ibrahim Maza suffered an injury while playing for his club, Bayer Leverkusen, in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League.

Nicknamed “Mazadona” by Algerian fans, the midfielder took a knock to his knee and was forced to leave the pitch in the 56th minute during the second leg against Olympiacos Piraeus (0-0) in the Champions League play-offs.

According to German sources, the player is set to undergo medical examinations this Wednesday to assess the severity of his injury.

A breakout star at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), the former Hertha Berlin player has become a key figure in Vladimir Petkovic’s plans for the national team.

He has already earned 13 caps for the Fennecs, registering two goals and a single assist.

With Bayer Leverkusen, he has featured in 29 matches this 2025-2026 season, tallying 4 goals and 4 assists.