Biography
Who is Alexandru Maxim?
Early life and career beginnings
Alexandru Iulian Maxim was born in Piatra Neamț, Romania, on July 8, 1990. He began his football path at the age of seven when he joined the local club Olimpia Piatra Neamț. In 2004, he moved to Ardealul Cluj to continue his development as a young player. During these early years, he shared a team roster with future professional players Mihai Răduț and Vlad Chiricheș.
At the age of 17, he moved to Spain to join the youth academy of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona. Adapting to the new environment proved challenging for him initially. He eventually progressed through the club's academy system to play for the reserve team in the Segunda División B. During the 2010–11 season, the club loaned him to CF Badalona to gain more experience.
Return to Romania and move to Germany
In August 2011, he returned to Romania to sign with Pandurii Târgu Jiu. He made his Liga I debut the following month in a match against Mioveni. Over the course of his time at the club, he scored goals against teams such as Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț, Steaua București, Oțelul Galați, and Concordia Chiajna. His performance helped the team maintain a strong start during the 2012 campaign, which drew interest from foreign clubs.
On January 31, 2013, he transferred to the German club VfB Stuttgart for a fee of 1.5 million euros. He debuted for the team in a UEFA Europa League match against Genk in February 2013. His first Bundesliga goal came in March 2013 during a match against Borussia Dortmund. Throughout his time in Germany, he played for both VfB Stuttgart and Mainz 05, eventually moving to the Turkish side Gaziantep in 2020.
International career and honors
Alexandru Maxim made his senior international debut for the Romania national team on May 30, 2012, in a friendly game against Switzerland. Later that year, he scored his first international goal in a 4–0 win over Andorra, becoming the first Romanian player born after the Romanian Revolution to score for the national team. He has since earned over 50 caps for his country.
Throughout his professional career, he has achieved several well-known honors. He won the 2. Bundesliga title with VfB Stuttgart during the 2016–17 season. He was also a runner-up in the 2012–13 DFB-Pokal. Individual recognitions include being named in the Süper Lig Team of the Season for the 2021–22 campaign and earning runner-up status for the Gazeta Sporturilor Romanian Footballer of the Year award in 2013.
Personal life and languages
Beyond his native Romanian, he is proficient in English, Spanish, and German. Growing up, he cited compatriot Gheorghe Hagi and French legend Zinedine Zidane as his primary role models in the sport. He has played for various clubs across Spain, Romania, Germany, and Turkey throughout his professional career.
Birthday and age
Alexandru Maxim was born on July 8, 1990, which makes Alexandru 36 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Alexandru shares the date with 50 other famous people.
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