The 2021 MLS Cup champion and former NYCFC captain provides experience and hard-nosed centerback play to the reigning Western Conference champs.
FRENCH CONNECTION
A native of Nancy, France (a city of about 100,000 residents in the northeastern part of the country), Chanot, 34, joins LAFC from Ligue 2 club AC Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica. From 2009 to 2011, Chanot played for LeMans FC – in Dénis Bouanga’s hometown. Bouanga was a youth player for Le Mans during that time.
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND
Chanot (IG: @chanotmaxime ) appeared in 165 regular-season matches for NYCFC from 2016 to 2023, helping the club to the MLS Cup title in 2021. He played every minute of the Pigeons’ playoff run that season, including a standout performance in MLS Cup final in Portland. Chanot served as NYCFC’s captain in 2022 Campeones Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in their victory over Mexican side Atlas FC.
Chanot has returned to New York often since his departure for France in August 2023. He has a tattoo of the New York City skyline on his right arm. A certified USSF coach, he recently started a youth academy in New York called La Fabrique.
FOE TURNED FRIEND
Chanot played against LAFC twice as a member of NYCFC. He played the full 90 minutes against the Black & Gold on March 17, 2019 – a 2-2 draw in New York in which Carlos Vela scored both LAFC goals. Chanot played 65 minutes when the clubs met again in Los Angeles on May 29, 2021 – a 2-1 NYCFC victory.
Chanot was named NYCFC’s best defender for the 2019 season, having logged more minutes that year than anyone on the roster. He was one of six finalists for MLS Defender of the Year in 2019. (Other finalists included LAFC’s Eddie Segura and Walker Zimmerman [now with Nashville], as well as Aaron Long [who played for NYRB at the time].)
OLD SCHOOL
During his time in New York, Chanot was asked about his playing style. “I would describe myself as a real central defender,” he replied. “I love duels and people often say that my main asset is my physical impact. I’m also a ball-playing player and I'll try to score goals for my team when possible, especially when it comes to set-pieces.”
Chanot scored five goals for NYCFC in 165 regular-season appearances (157 starts).
UPSET SPECIAL
A Luxembourg international, Chanot scored his first goal for his national team almost ten years ago, on June 4, 2014. It was quite a goal.
The match was a friendly, and the opponent was Italy. The four-time FIFA World Cup champions were playing on their home turf at Stadio Renato Curi, in Perugia. Leading 1-0 in the 84th minute, Italy looked destined for victory until, as Reuters reported, “Chanot stunned the home crowd in Perugia with a bullet header from a corner five minutes before the end.” Luxembourg was ranked 112th in the world. It was their best result against Italy in nine international meetings.
Starting for the Azzurri that day was 29-year-old Giorgio Chiellini, who played all 90 minutes. Lorenzo Insigne (currently with Toronto FC) came on for Italy in the 78th minute, replacing enigmatic striker and world football legend Mario Balotelli.
