Nikola Maksimović

Nikola Maksimović (Serbian Cyrillic: Никола Максимовић, pronounced [nǐkola maksǐːmoʋitɕ]; born 25 November 1991) is a Serbian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for French Ligue 1 club Montpellier.

Club career

Early career

Maksimović began his career with Kosmos Bajina Bašta, before moving to Sloga Bajina Bašta. He represented both clubs in youth competitions. Maksimović made his senior debut for Sevojno in the 2008–09 Serbian First League. He also played against FBK Kaunas and Lille in the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League.

In the summer of 2010, Sevojno merged with Sloboda Užice. On 19 September 2010, Maksimović received the first yellow card of his career during a match against Spartak Subotica, and scored the first goal of his professional career on 5 March 2011 in Lučani.

Red Star

During the 2012 winter transfer window, Maksimović was signed by Red Star Belgrade for a reported fee of 300,000€. He made his debut on 3 March 2012 in a match against Spartak Subotica.

At the end of the season, 51% of his contract was acquired by Cypriots Apollon Limassol.

Torino

On 23 July 2013, he was loaned to Italian Serie A club Torino with a buyout clause; he made his official debut on 6 October as a substitute against Sampdoria in Genoa, finishing 2–2. Over the course of the season he earned a spot in the starting lineup, first, as a central defender, then as a right-sided midfielder.

On 27 May 2014, Torino exercised the right to purchase him outright; Maksimović signed a contract until 2018.

Napoli

On 31 August 2016 he was transferred to Napoli on loan with obligation to buy. On 28 September 2016, Maksimović made his debut in 4–2 home victory over Benfica. On 23 October 2016, he scored his first goal in Serie A, in 2–1 away victory over Crotone.

Spartak

On 26 January 2018, he joined the Russian champions FC Spartak Moscow on loan until the end of the 2017–18 season.

Genoa

On 31 August 2021, Maksimović signed with Genoa for free.

Hatayspor

After not playing in the 2022–23 season, on 7 July 2023 Maksimović joined Hatayspor in Turkey on a two-year contract.

Montpellier

On 31 October 2024, Maksimović signed with Montpellier for free.

International career

He made 4 appearances for the Serbia national youth teams: two with the under-19 and two with the under-21. He was first called up to the Serbia national team on 31 May 2012, for two friendly matches against France and Sweden, in which he was played as a starter. He returned for two friendlies against Ireland (where he entered in the second half) and Chile (from the onset), a 3–1 win.

As of November 2024, Maksimović has earned a total of 25 caps (no goals) and his final international was a September 2020 Nations League match away against Russia.

Style of play

Able to play as a defensive midfielder, he grew up playing mainly as a central defender. He is agile for his considerable height of 1.93 metres (6 ft 4 in), combined with a predisposition for the air and marking opponents. At home he has been repeatedly compared to Nemanja Vidić.