Max Caputo has quickly established himself as one of the standout talents in the Isuzu UTE A-League. As Melbourne City gears up to secure a spot in the Grand Final this Saturday night, the young star speaks with aleagues.com.au.
Although Jamie Maclaren has departed the Isuzu UTE A-League, the impact of the record-setting striker on one of the league’s most promising forward players is undeniable.
At just 19 years old, Max Caputo is now Melbourne City’s leading figure; a testament to the club’s fruitful academy system, as he plays an integral part in their ambition to reach the 2024-25 Grand Final.
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Having had his season start disrupted by a serious injury, Caputo stepped into the spotlight as City’s main striker following Maclaren’s move to Indian side Mohun Bagan, marking a significant transition for the club.
His three years alongside Maclaren were fundamental in crafting Caputo into one of the A-Leagues’ premier young talents.
“He took me to training during the early days,” Caputo shared with aleagues.com.au in anticipation of Saturday’s Semi-Final second leg against Western United at AAMI Park.
“He and Scott Jamieson were there for me when I was just 16.”
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“He was like a father figure to me; there I was at 15, and he was undeniably at the pinnacle of his career.”
“He had a fantastic personality off the pitch as well. He was always there to support me during my low times or even when I was overflowing with confidence, providing invaluable tips, particularly as we play in the same position. I can’t thank him enough.”
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Last season also highlighted the character of Maclaren.
During a phase when he was struggling to find his form, City coach Aurelio Vidmar looked to Caputo as an alternative goal-scoring option while aiming for a spot in the Finals Series.
It was undoubtedly a daunting challenge for the teenager, stepping in for the league’s top scorer.
However, Caputo embraced the challenge, offering a glimpse into the selflessness characterising a Socceroo.
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“I definitely felt a bit of pressure stepping in for perhaps Australia’s finest goal scorer, especially in the A-Leagues,” said Caputo.
“Training alongside Maclaren for three years taught me a lot about scoring and positioning off the ball. It’s a great feeling.
“He would speak to me before matches, providing tremendous motivation. It’s all thanks to him that I trained hard and made it work. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the pressure.”
Caputo has since thrived, netting a career-high five goals in 13 appearances, starting 10 of those matches.
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The former Caroline Springs George Cross junior was also distinguished recently among the top 25 Under-20 players globally by the CIES Football Observatory.
All this after a challenging birthday and pre-season, following a breakout season in 2023-24.
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Caputo, who was originally brought into City’s academy as a winger/attacking midfielder, faced surgery in August to repair a syndesmosis injury and a fractured fibula.
This unfortunate turn of events coincided with his 19th birthday, a significant setback for both Caputo and City, as they had anticipated him leading their attack.
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“It was a strange situation,” Caputo recalled. “It happened rapidly during a training exercise, got tangled up, and unfortunately broke my fibula. Surgery followed just three days later.”
“Initially, I had to put in the hard yards to regain full fitness and strength, especially after performing well at the beginning of the Australia Cup. It was a matter of working my way back to the top level of fitness I had before the injury.”
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“I took it one day at a time and gradually got better and stronger. Now we’re here, and it’s hard to believe how quickly the season’s finished up. There have been many challenges, but I’m pleased with how things have turned out.”
Making his debut as the second-youngest player in City’s Isuzu UTE A-League history at age 15, Caputo returned to action in February, playing a pivotal role in the 2021 champions earning a place in the lucrative 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite.
With five goals in his last nine matches, Caputo also has City on the verge of a Grand Final appearance.
His performances will undoubtedly attract international interest, especially given the nature of the A-Leagues and the ongoing transfer market.
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There are ongoing discussions regarding out-of-contract players Noah Botic (Western United) and Adrian Segecic (Sydney FC).
However, for Caputo, his focus remains unmistakably clear.
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“It’s a possibility (that I’ll move overseas),” he acknowledged. “This season has seen players like Milanovic and Botic linked to moves following excellent seasons.”
“There’s a lot of younger players, including (Archie) Goodwin, that might be considered prospects and I’m slightly younger than them.
“But I’m committed to City at the moment, and the focus is on these final matches and where the future may lead.”
Caputo has also been named in the Young Socceroos squad for upcoming friendlies against Argentina’s Under-20s next month.
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Given Tony Popovic’s track record since taking over the Subway Socceroos coaching position in September, it is entirely possible that Caputo could receive a senior national team call-up in the future, provided he maintains his current trajectory.
The Socceroos are still actively seeking to address their striker conundrum.
“It’s encouraging that Popa has come in and is evidently scouting the A-League’s key players like Milanovic, who’s had a promising season and is relatively new to the scene,” remarked Caputo. “He’s young too.”
“Looking at players like that makes you think, perhaps I’m not too far behind.
“It’s something that crosses your mind occasionally, but as a young player, I’m still eligible for the U20s World Cup in September, so those opportunities are my priority for now. I just take each day as it comes.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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