[2][3] Maxim Mikhaylov started playing volleyball in the Leningrad region under the guidance of Valery Besprozvannykh.

In 2008 Russia, including Mikhaylov, won the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Mikhaylov helped propel Russia to a 10–1 record and the World Cup 2011 gold medal following Sunday's five-set victory over silver medalist Poland.

[3] In September 2013 his national team beat Italy in the final of the European Championship (3–1) and achieved the gold medal.

With Zenit, he won the CEV Champions League in 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16,2016–17 and 2017–18 and was bronze medalist in World Championship Club in 2011.