LAFC has secured the signing of defender Maxime Chanot from AC Ajaccio in the French Ligue 2, with the contract extending through 2025. Pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), Chanot will be integrated into the team’s roster.
Aged 34, Chanot arrives at LAFC following a stint with AC Ajaccio, where he made 23 appearances (21 of which were starts) between 2023 and 2024, contributing two assists.
LAFC’s Co-President & General Manager, John Thorrington, expressed confidence in Chanot’s capabilities, describing him as a highly accomplished defender and a leader both on and off the field. Thorrington emphasized Chanot’s track record of success in MLS and highlighted his potential to bolster LAFC’s backline and aid the team’s pursuit of additional trophies.
Hailing from Nancy, France, Chanot previously enjoyed an eight-season spell with New York City Football Club (2016-2023), earning acclaim as a cherished figure among fans and becoming the club’s longest-serving player. During his tenure in New York, Chanot featured in 199 games, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist across various competitions. Notably, he amassed 165 appearances (157 starts) in the MLS regular season, contributing five goals and one assist. Chanot played a pivotal role in NYCFC’s triumphs in the 2021 MLS Cup and the 2022 Campeones Cup.
With a regular presence in the Luxembourg National Team, Chanot’s journey to MLS commenced after his tenure with K.V. Kortrijk in the Belgium Pro League, where he featured in 82 matches from 2013 to 2016.
Chanot’s professional career began with AS Nancy and Stade de Reims in France before he ventured to England with Sheffield United in 2007. Subsequently, he embarked on loan spells with Mansfield Town (2008) and FC Gueugnon (2010) before joining Le Mans in France in 2009. Chanot also had stints with White Star Woluwe FC in Belgium (2011) and Beerschot AC (2013) before his time with K.V. Kortrijk. Notably, he was recognized by K.V. Kortrijk as part of their “Team of the Decade” in 2019.
Chanot’s international career with the Luxembourg National Team has seen him earn 68 caps (all starts) since 2013, scoring four goals, including a notable strike against Iceland during the 2024 Euro Qualifying campaign.
