Michel Macedo Rocha Machado (born 15 February 1990), known as Michel Macedo or simply Michel, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Spanish club UD Las Palmas as a right back.

Career

Early career

Michel was born in Rio de Janeiro. He began his career in Soft Lazer (a futsal academy), and joined Botafogo’s youth setup in 1997, aged seven. After playing for Bota’s futsal club, he joined the football team as a right winger, but was reconverted to full-back in the process.

After impressing in a match against Flamengo in 2005, Michel joined the latter shortly after. He was regarded as one of the best youth prospects during his time at Estádio da Gávea.

Almería

On 23 June 2008, Michel moved to La Liga strugglers UD Almería, in a seven-year contract. He was awarded the #16 jersey.

Michel made his debut for the Andalusians on 16 November, in a 2–1 home win against RCD Mallorca, after came off the bench to replace Juanma Ortiz in the 87th minute. His first start came on 10 May of the following year, in a 3–1 success against Sporting de Gijón also at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos; it were his two only appearances of the campaign, which the rojiblancos eventually finished 11th.

On 20 September, Michel scored his first goal as a professional, netting the winner against Getafe CF. He was an undisputed starter during the following two seasons, but was later challenged by new signing Rafita in 2011–12, with the latter appearing in 35 matches while the former only appeared in 22, and was subsequently loaned to Atlético Mineiro in the summer.

Atlético Mineiro (loan)

On 19 July 2012, Michel was loaned to Clube Atlético Mineiro. He expressed his desire to return to his country, after having some personal problems in Spain.

Michel only made his league debut almost a year later, in a 0-1 away defeat against Santos FC on 13 June 2013; late in the month, the deal was renewed for another year. He finished the campaign with 16 appearances, including 72 minutes in the Copa Libertadores Final, a 2–0 home win against Olimpia, but acted mainly as a backup to Marcos Rocha.

On 7 May 2014 Michel was released by Galo, after being deemed suplus to requirements by new manager Levir Culpi.

Return to Almería

On 9 July 2014 Michel returned to Almería, being immediately assigned to the first-team squad. He subsequently renewed his link for a further year on the 21st.

On 23 August 2014 Michel played his first match after his return, starting in a 1–1 home draw against RCD Espanyol.

Las Palmas

On 15 July 2016, Michel signed a two-year deal with UD Las Palmas in the first division.

Club statistics

Honours

• Campeonato Mineiro: 2013
• Copa Libertadores: 2013