It is summer 2025. Fresh off being named the best scorer in Regional 1, Maxime Michaux was one of the most sought-after amateur football players in the regional scene.
“I had several options,” recalls the forward. “There was Carqueiranne, but also FC Martigues, which offered me a good project in R1. But due to their relegation, it didn’t happen. In the end, I left Gémenos and joined Carnoux. The club offered me the best financial, sporting, and personal compromise since I could keep my job as an accountant.”
After terrorizing the regional level, Michaux was offered a golden opportunity to test himself at a higher level within the promoted club in N3. But he quickly became disillusioned.
“The start of the season went well, with a start and a goal as a sub. Then there came a time when I wasn’t playing much. I think the coach had lost confidence in me, for reasons that were quite vague in my opinion, but it’s okay. Then, Mike Rodriguez from SMUC called me. I knew him from Gémenos and get along very well with him, so I accepted to join him to help him out and finish my season enjoying playing on the field.”
Although not a professional at Carnoux, Maxime Michaux was still in a highly demanding environment. Transitioning to the more amateur world of SMUC, which is two divisions lower, was quite special.
“It was a bit strange at first. In N3, we trained 4 times a week, often at high intensity. There was a lot of quality in training. I don’t want to belittle R2 level, but when you drop down 2 divisions, there is inevitably less quality at that level. There are fewer training sessions per week and also less physical work. At first, it felt strange, but you get used to it little by little, especially knowing the players.
Now, while it’s not uncommon to see him score a brace, or even a hat-trick every Sunday, ‘everything is fine. Even if we step back, we must not lose motivation and stay focused on our goals. And mine were to have fun and finish the season well.’
An effective recipe. Since his arrival in November, the Roquevaire native has been spearheading the SMUC attack and has already scored 18 goals in Regional 2, including 10 in the last 4 matches (2 braces and 2 hat-tricks).
Happy on the field, Maxime Michaux is also happy off it, as his relationship with the coach and the rest of the group is in good shape.
Even though he knows his player is coveted, Mike Rodriguez declared a few weeks ago that he wants ‘to do everything to keep him and rebuild the team around him next season.’
A message that resonated with the 23-year-old forward, who is not ruling out an extension.
“I’ve had discussions, but I don’t see myself leaving SMUC for now, unless it’s an offer too good to refuse (laughs). We have an agreement with Mike, I have to finish the season, and then see. Changing just for a level up or for financial gain but not enjoying on-field doesn’t interest me.”
For now, he is more than ever committed. “I prefer to stay at SMUC and continue to have a blast. The club trusts me and has given me responsibilities. I have the coach’s total confidence on all matters. For now, nothing is set, but SMUC is in a good position.”
