Maxence Caqueret arrived at Como with the kind of reputation that speaks softly but carries weight. Formed at Lyon, where he came through one of Europe’s most respected academies and established himself in the first team, he built his game on qualities that rarely need exaggeration, intelligence, discipline, control and the ability to shape the rhythm of a match. By the time he moved to Como in January 2025, he had already built significant senior experience in France and youth international honours with France, including recognition in the UEFA European Under 19 Championship Team of the Tournament.
That calm authority has travelled with him to Como. At the time of print Caqueret has made 24 appearances in Serie A and 5 in the Coppa Italia this season. 47 appearances total since he got here, with two goals and four assists in the league. Supporters have taken to him quickly, and now chant his name, something he says in this interview makes him “really happy” because it shows they appreciate both him and the player he is. That connection feels earned. Caqueret has brought quality and consistency, but in conversation it is the person behind the midfielder that comes through just as clearly: thoughtful, grounded and quietly assured. He speaks here about faith, family, music and the peace of life by the lake, while reflecting on the difference between football as a childhood joy and football as a profession.
The fans really love you and are now chanting your name. Your impact on the team, and on the fans, is becoming increasingly clear. How does that make you feel?
“It’s true that when I hear the fans chanting my name, it makes me really happy. It shows they appreciate me and that they like the player I am. So I’m very grateful for that. I give it my all and try to perform at my best every time I’m on the pitch, precisely to make them proud and give everything for this team. So I’m happy when the fans thank me by chanting my name.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I’m not sure I have a real hidden talent, to be honest. Maybe that’s something other people would have to answer for me.”
What’s your favourite meal on a day off?
“The meal I like to eat on a day off, away from matches, is pizza. Given that we’re in Italy, the pizzas are pretty good, so I like to eat a pizza with my family whilst I’m resting.”
Which song helps you get in the right frame of mind before a match, and do you have any guilty pleasures, like watching really cheesy films or anything else?
“The songs I usually listen to before a match are often Christian songs. It helps me concentrate, get closer to God, and focus on my match as well. So yes, I listen to a lot of Christian music before matches.”
If you could instantly acquire a skill outside of football, such as playing a musical instrument, learning a language or cooking, which would you choose?
“If I could acquire a skill outside of football, given that I have a piano at home, I’d really like to learn to play it better. I really enjoy listening to people playing the piano or the guitar, so if I could actually learn to play the piano or the guitar, that’s the skill I’d choose.”
If you had a free afternoon to show a friend around Como, what would you do and where would you go?
“If I had to show a friend around Como, I’d start by taking them around the lake so they could see the magnificent scenery. Why not take a boat trip to see the areas around Como, with its beautiful mountain and lake views? Then I’d take them to see Como’s stadium, which is quite unique and very pleasant.”
What did you think of football when you were 15, and what have you completely changed your mind about since then?
“At 15, I saw football as just fun. Really just fun and playing football with mates. Now it’s different, of course, it’s my job, so that’s the big difference between football when I was 15 and now. Even though I still enjoy playing football just as much and it’s still fun, it’s much more structured and much more professional.”
Who do you call first after a big win or a tough defeat, and what do you usually talk about?
“After a match, whether it’s a win or a loss, whatever the circumstances of the game, the first people I call are my parents. My dad and my mum. We have a chat, we go over the match a bit, and it gives us a chance to catch up as well. It’s something we’ve always done since I was very young, and I think I’ll keep doing it throughout my career.”
Which teammate has taught you the most or inspired you the most since you arrived at Como, and what have you learnt from him?
“The teammate who has taught me the most since I arrived at Como, I’d say, first of all, Lucas, because he introduced me to the club and made me feel at home there. He taught me a lot about Como and how everything worked to help me settle in. Then there’s Alvaro Morata, who’s been giving me quite a bit of advice since the start of the season, offering me a couple of tips on how to improve. So I’d say Alvaro too, from a sporting point of view.”
Who was your favourite player when you were a child?
“My favourite player when I was younger was Iniesta. He’s a player I’ve always enjoyed watching and I’ve always loved his style of play.”
Is there an athlete from a sport completely different to yours that you really admire? What do you admire about that person?
“There are a lot of athletes I admire, even outside football, because top level sport always takes so much discipline and sacrifice. What I admire most is that mentality, the ability to stay focused, keep improving and perform under pressure.”
Do you have a routine or a superstition on match day, however small, and how did it start?
“No, I don’t have any superstitions and I don’t necessarily have a routine before a match. I could just say that when I get to the changing room, I warm up before going out onto the pitch. I listen to my music, but I don’t necessarily have a set ritual for every match.”
If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be doing?
“If I hadn’t been a professional footballer, honestly, I don’t know what I would have done, but I think I would have stayed in sport. Why not a tennis player or a sports coach.”
What do you fancy watching and listening to at the moment? Do you have a favourite series, film or podcast, and what sort of music or which artists are you listening to on repeat?
“At the moment I’m watching The Chosen, a series about the Gospels of the Bible, a series about Jesus Christ. It’s a series I’ve already watched once, which I’ve just started again because it really speaks to me. As for music, I listen to a lot of Christian music, as I mentioned earlier. And if I had to name a favourite film, one I’ve seen loads of times, I’d say Back to the Future. It’s a film I’ve been watching since I was little and I still love it just as much.”
What do you like most about Como?
“What I like most about Como is that it’s a beautiful town where you feel at home. It’s quiet, peaceful and perfect for families. And then there’s the club, where I also feel right at home. We’re having a good season, so the combination of the town and the club is really lovely.”