Full name Maxime Lopez Playing position 2003–2010 Burel F.C. Weight 58 kg Career start 2014 | Number 27 Height 1.67 m Nationality French | |
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Date of birth (1997-12-04) 4 December 1997 (age 19) Similar Florian Thauvin, André‑Frank Zambo Anguissa, Bafétimbi Gomis, Yohann Pelé, Bouna Sarr Profiles | ||
Maxime Lopez (born 4 December 1997) is a French professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Ligue 1 side Marseille and the France national under-20 football team. He is an academy graduate of Marseille and made his debut for the club in August 2016, aged 18.
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Early career
Maxime Lopez is a product of Marseille's football academy, having joined l'OM in 2010 from F.C. Burel. During his time in the academy he represented the club at U-19 level in the UEFA Youth League. He signed his first professional contract with Marseille on 12 July 2014, and was handed his non-competitive debut by interim manager Franck Passi on the same date two years later in a friendly encounter with Lausanne Sport.
2016–2017 season
Lopez made his senior debut for Marseille on 21 August 2016, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute for Bouna Sarr in a 2–1 Ligue 1 defeat to Guingamp. Just 18-minutes after entering the field of play Lopez assisted Florian Thauvin for Marseille's only goal. Lopez's home debut at the Stade Vélodrome came on 16 October in Marseille's 1–0 win over Metz. Later that month, on 30 October, he made his first start for Marseille in a 0–0 draw with Bordeaux. On 20 November, Lopez made 129 touches during Marseille's match against Caen, which was the most ever by a Marseille player in a single match in recorded history. He scored the first professional goal of his career on 10 December, netting the opening goal in Marseille's 2–1 Ligue 1 victory over Dijon. Lopez was later named Ligue Player of the Month for in recognition of his performances throughout the month of December.
Style of play
Due to his Algerian lineage and similar progression through Marseille's academy, Lopez has often been likened to former Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri. Though small in stature, Lopez has been described as a versatile playmaker capable of fluid movement and quick and intelligent passing.
Club
As of 10 March 20171 Includes Coupe de France matches. 2 Includes Coupe de la Ligue matches.
Individual
