Maxwell

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Maxwell's path to Paris Saint-Germain was paved with success across Europe. After his contract with Ajax was restructured to expire early on 2 January 2006, he moved to Inter Milan via Empoli without making an appearance there due to registration quotas. At Inter, he impressed in Serie A, scoring a solo goal against Parma voted the club's thunder goal of the season by fans. In the 2007–08 season, he shifted from left-back to left midfield alongside Cristian Chivu, utilizing his blistering pace to win consecutive Scudettos. He later joined Barcelona on 15 July 2009 for €4.5 million plus €500,000, signing a five-year deal. There, he assisted Zlatan Ibrahimović's opening goal in the 2010 Supercopa de España and played a vital role when Eric Abidal was injured. His final club stop began on 12 January 2012, when PSG paid €3.5 million for his services.

In Their Own Story

On 4 February 2015, Maxwell etched his name in Parisian history by scoring the only goal as PSG defeated Lille away to reach the Coupe de la Ligue Final. This moment capped a period where he was the starting left-back, having replaced Siaka Tiéné for the 2013–14 season. His dedication saw him extend his contract on 28 February 2014 until June 2015. Beyond the pitch, Maxwell formed a legendary bond with Zlatan Ibrahimović, serving as teammates at Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and PSG. In Ibrahimović's autobiography, I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish striker recounts anecdotes highlighting Maxwell's calm nature and gentle style of play. This friendship spanned four major clubs, making them one of football's most enduring on-pitch partnerships.

Reader's Guide

Maxwell's playing style was defined by technical elegance and versatility. A diminutive attacking left-back, he was known for his consistency, solid defensive work as a good ball-winner, and exceptional distribution that rarely relinquished possession. His wide range of skills allowed him to balance teams in full-back or wing-back roles while pushing forward with offensive runs down the left flank. He often delivered crosses from advanced positions or operated as a left-winger in midfield or three-man attacks. His career statistics reflect this adaptability: he won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in 2003–04 and was named to the Ligue 1 Team of the Year in 2012–13, 2014–15, and 2015–16. He retired from international football in October 2014 after his only World Cup appearance came in a third-place play-off defeat to the Netherlands.

Did You Know?

• Maxwell won trophies for every club he played for: Cruzeiro, Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and PSG.
• He was the most decorated active footballer in Europe at the time of his retirement with 31 official titles.
• Maxwell scored a solo goal against Parma at San Siro that was voted Inter's thunder goal of the season by viewers.
• He made his only appearance for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup in the third-place play-off against the Netherlands.
• Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimović were teammates at four different clubs: Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and PSG.