Maxime Lopez gives up armband as Paris FC midfield battle intensifies | OneFootball

Maxime Lopez has stood down as Paris FC captain to concentrate on his game amid a tighter midfield battle. According to L'Équipe, the 28-year-old made the call and the switch could affect his minutes.

The change was clear in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Auxerre, where Timothée Kolodziejczak wore the armband. Lopez had captained 17 of his 24 outings this season, with three assists.

Coach Stéphane Gilli said duties with referees and managing emotions had become an extra burden, so focusing on performance made sense. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp downplayed it as a coach’s call, noting leadership is shared.

Alongside Ilan Kebbal, Lopez usually dictates Paris’s tempo. His influence can dip against more physical sides, but he remains a key organiser.

Last season he collected 11 bookings, leading to three suspensions. This term he has eight, including one for dissent at the Abbé-Deschamps, and was taken off at half-time against OM as a precaution after a caution.

A rule change this season triggers a one-match ban after five cautions, previously three within 10 matches, so he has served only one suspension.

Winter arrivals Marshall Munetsi and Rudy Matondo, the rise of Adama Camara, Pierre Lees-Melou’s imminent return and a back five since early 2026 leave only two midfield spots. Under contract until June 2027, Lopez could see his game time reduced.

Source: L'Équipe