Shining Bright in European Football, Why Vietnamese Expats Are Dubbed ‘Exceptional Superstars’
The Rise of Ibrahim Maza: A Phenomenal Tale
In the vast landscape of European football, one name has been making waves, captivating the attention of pundits, media, and avid fans alike – Ibrahim Maza.
At a mere 19 years of age, born in 2005, Maza has already garnered significant acclaim, with Transfermarkt valuing him at a staggering 1.5 million Euros (over 40 billion Vietnamese Dong). This valuation marks a remarkable ascent from his initial appraisal of 200,000 Euros, subsequently climbing to 600,000 Euros.
What distinguishes Maza further is his unique heritage – born to an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother. His stellar performance for the Hertha Berlin, in the German second division (Bundesliga 2) during the 2023/24 season, has been nothing short of impressive.
A Star in the Making: Maza’s Impact on the Field
On the 5th of April, Maza exhibited his prowess as he played a pivotal role in Hertha Berlin’s 3-2 victory over Paderborn in the 28th round of Bundesliga 2 fixtures.
During the first half, Hertha Berlin found themselves tied 1-1 with Paderborn. However, in the second half, Paderborn surged ahead, taking a 2-1 lead courtesy of Viar Musliu’s goal.
Nevertheless, in the closing stages of the game, Hertha Berlin staged a remarkable comeback, netting two goals in the 84th and 90th minutes, courtesy of Hussein and Tabakovic, respectively, securing a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Paderborn.
Notably, it was Ibrahim Maza who, despite being brought on as a substitute in the 61st minute, orchestrated the winning goal for Hertha Berlin. In a decisive moment, Maza skillfully maneuvered past a Paderborn defender, delivering a precise cross into the penalty area, allowing Tabakovic to score effortlessly.
The Acknowledgment and Recognition
The significance of Maza’s contribution did not go unnoticed. The esteemed German publication, Bild, remarked, “Paderborn seemed to dominate, especially after taking the lead 2-1 through captain Musliu. But the exceptional superstar of Hertha, Ibrahim Maza, turned the tide of the game in front of numerous scouts. In the 90th minute, Maza assisted the goal-scoring king, Haris Tabakovic, who sealed the 3-2 victory with his 18th goal of the season.”
Echoing the sentiment, Paderborn’s coach, Lukas Kwasniok, acknowledged Maza’s talent, stating, “Both teams differed in squad depth. The introduction of Maza by Hertha Berlin made a difference.”
Conclusion: Maza’s Journey Continues
As the season progresses, Ibrahim Maza’s impact on the pitch continues to reverberate. With one goal and one assist in eight appearances in the German second division, Maza’s contribution underscores his growing influence. Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin currently occupies the 7th position in the league standings, amassing 41 points after 28 rounds.
In the ever-evolving landscape of European football, Ibrahim Maza emerges as a shining example of talent and potential, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of the sport, one thing remains certain – the journey of this exceptional Vietnamese expat is far from over.