Maxime Chanot Bio
Maxime Paul Jackie Chanot (born 21 November 1989) is a former professional footballer who last played as a defender for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Born in France, he represented the Luxembourg national team during his career and announced his retirement from professional football on 27 August 2025. Standing at 186 cm, Chanot built a reputation as an aggressive, athletic central defender who became known for his leadership and consistency at the back.
Early Life and Background
Maxime Paul Jackie Chanot was born on 21 November 1989 in Nancy, France. He grew up in the country and developed his early football skills within French football structures, eventually joining the academy ranks at Stade de Reims as a young prospect. His time at Reims helped shape his understanding of the game and prepared him for a move abroad as a teenager.
In 2006, Chanot left Stade de Reims and joined English club Sheffield United, where he became a regular in the academy and reserve sides. The experience of moving to a new country at a young age helped him mature both as a player and as a person, and it laid the foundation for the international career that followed.
Path to Soccer
After establishing himself at Sheffield United’s academy, Chanot joined Mansfield Town on loan on 4 October 2008. He made his debut for Mansfield in a 1–0 defeat against Woking, where he picked up the Man of the Match award despite the loss. He returned to Bramall Lane after playing five games for The Stags.
As Sheffield United looked to cut costs following a failed promotion push, Chanot was released at the end of the 2008–09 season. In November 2009, he signed a two-year contract with French Ligue 1 side Le Mans FC, before moving on a season-long loan to FC Gueugnon in 2010. These moves gave him valuable first-team experience in both English and French football before his career took him to Belgium.
Maxime Chanot Career
Early Career (2007–2011)
Chanot’s senior career began at Sheffield United, where he featured primarily for the reserves after joining from Stade de Reims in 2006. His loan to Mansfield Town in October 2008 provided his first taste of senior English football, and his performances earned him recognition even in a struggling side. After returning to Sheffield United and being released, he signed with Ligue 1 side Le Mans in November 2009.
Seeking regular playing time, Chanot moved on loan to FC Gueugnon in 2010, gaining important experience in French football’s lower divisions. His combination of physical presence and composure on the ball began to attract attention from clubs across Europe, setting the stage for his move to Belgium.
Belgian Breakthrough (2011–2016)
In September 2011, Chanot signed a one-year deal with Belgian second-division side White Star Woluwe FC, which was later extended for an additional season. Sport/Foot Magazine named him among the twenty best second-division players in the Belgian league, a strong endorsement of his rapid development. His performances drew the attention of Division 1 Belgium team Beerschot AC, which signed him in 2013.
Chanot continued to impress at Beerschot and was offered a contract by another Division 1 Belgian side, KV Kortrijk. He was named several times best defender of the Belgian championship during his time at the club. Despite interest from clubs such as Queens Park Rangers and Chievo Verona, he decided to join Major League Soccer’s New York City FC under head coach Patrick Vieira.
New York City Era (2016–2023)
On 16 July 2016, it was announced that Chanot had signed with New York City FC. He made his NYCFC debut as a halftime substitute for Jefferson Mena during a 5–1 victory against the Colorado Rapids on 30 July 2016. Chanot was named to the MLS Team of the Week the following week after his first start against the San Jose Earthquakes. He finished his debut season with eight league appearances and started both of NYCFC’s playoff matches.
On 3 June 2017, Chanot scored his first MLS goal in a 2–1 win over Philadelphia Union. He added a second goal later that season against Vancouver Whitecaps after an assist from Andrea Pirlo. A herniated disk in his back forced him to undergo surgery, and he missed the remainder of the 2017 campaign, including both of NYCFC’s playoff matches. Over the next two seasons, Chanot’s defensive partnership with Alexander Callens was recognized as one of the best in MLS.
At the end of the 2019 season, Chanot was named NYCFC’s Best Defender of the Year and received the Most Minutes Played award. Major League Soccer named him the fourth best defender of the 2019 season. Chanot was a regular starter on the 2021 NYCFC side that won the MLS Cup, cementing his place as one of the club’s most important players.
Los Angeles FC Era (2024–2025)
After a brief stint with French club Ajaccio, Chanot returned to Major League Soccer and signed with Los Angeles FC through the 2025 season. His arrival added experienced leadership to a competitive LAFC roster. Chanot announced his retirement from professional football on 27 August 2025, closing out a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Defensive Strengths and Style
Chanot was widely described as an aggressive, athletic central defender who combined physical presence with strong reading of the game. His partnership with Alexander Callens at New York City FC was considered one of the best defensive pairings in MLS, and his consistency earned him individual recognition from both his club and the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Chanot’s career came when he helped NYCFC win the 2021 MLS Cup as a regular starter. He also scored his first MLS goal in 2017 against Philadelphia Union and was named NYCFC’s Best Defender of the Year at the end of the 2019 season. Internationally, he scored against Italy in a 2014 friendly and converted a penalty against the Netherlands in 2016 World Cup qualifying.
Maxime Chanot Career Wins
Maxime Paul Jackie Chanot collected major honors at club level during a career that took him through England, France, Belgium, and the United States. His most significant trophy came with New York City FC, where he was part of the squad that lifted the 2021 MLS Cup. Chanot also played for New York City FC and Los Angeles FC, two clubs associated with his MLS legacy.
MLS Highlights
Chanot made his MLS debut with New York City FC in 2016 and went on to feature in both of the club’s playoff matches that season. He scored his first MLS goal on 3 June 2017 in a 2–1 win over Philadelphia Union, and he was later named NYCFC’s Best Defender of the Year for the 2019 season. His most memorable achievement in MLS came in 2021, when he started as NYCFC won the MLS Cup.
Other Performances
Before moving to Major League Soccer, Chanot earned recognition in Belgium, where Sport/Foot Magazine named him among the twenty best second-division players in the league during his time at White Star Woluwe. He was also named several times best defender of the Belgian championship while at KV Kortrijk, underlining his consistency at the top level of Belgian football.
Maxime Chanot Family
Family Background and Personal Details
Maxime Paul Jackie Chanot was born and raised in Nancy, France, where he developed his early love for football. Limited public information is available regarding his parents or siblings, and the focus of available records remains on his professional sporting career. His move from France to England as a teenager marked the beginning of a long international journey for him and his family.
Personal Life
In March 2018, Chanot earned a U.S. green card, which qualified him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes. Beyond his professional commitments, he built his life around football, moving across multiple countries throughout his career. He announced his retirement from professional football on 27 August 2025, closing the chapter on a career that began in 2007.
2025 Season Performance
Maxime Chanot entered the 2025 Major League Soccer season with Los Angeles FC after signing a contract that ran through that year. As an experienced central defender, he continued to provide leadership and stability at the back for one of the league’s most ambitious clubs. His presence in the squad was valued for both his on-field performances and his veteran influence in the locker room.
On 27 August 2025, Chanot announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a career that began in 2007. His decision to retire allowed Los Angeles FC and the wider football community to reflect on a career that included an MLS Cup title, individual defensive honors, and an international career with Luxembourg.
Chanot’s legacy in Major League Soccer is tied closely to his years at New York City FC, where he helped deliver the club’s first MLS Cup in 2021 and earned recognition as one of the league’s top defenders. Although his playing days are now over, his impact on the clubs and teammates he worked with remains a lasting part of his football story.