The world's most expensive Vietnamese player plays for the first time in the Champions League

Vietnamese-origin midfielder Ibrahim Maza breathed Champions League air for the first time when he played for Bayer Leverkusen against Copenhagen.

Ibrahim Maza (black shirt) plays in the Champions League for the first time - Photo: REUTERS

In the early morning of September 19, Vietnamese-origin player Ibrahim Maza made his first appearance in the Champions League in Bayer Leverkusen's 2-2 draw with Copenhagen in the qualifying round.

The German team had a difficult away trip to Copenhagen. Ibrahim Maza was brought on in the 51st minute, when Leverkusen were 1-0 down.

Immediately, the 19-year-old played with great energy and enthusiasm. He operated widely in the midfield area, launching 2 remarkable shots.

Although he did not score directly, Maza's presence played an important role in helping Leverkusen regain control of the game and create great pressure on the opponent.

Leverkusen's efforts were rewarded with two late goals from Alex Grimaldo (82nd minute) and an own goal from the opponent in the 90+1 minute, thereby regaining a valuable point with a 2-2 draw.

Maza is currently the most expensive Vietnamese player in the world , valued at 12 million euros by Transfermarkt.

Previously, he also joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin for a price of up to 14 million Euros.

Ibrahim Maza was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. His father is Algerian and his mother is Vietnamese. Although he played for Germany's youth teams, he decided to play for Algeria at the professional level.

The fact that a player with Vietnamese blood was able to play and leave his mark in the most prestigious arena in Europe is still a proud signal for fans.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cau-thu-goc-viet-dat-gia-nhat-the-gioi-lan-dau-ra-san-o-champions-league-20250919082916469.htm