LAFC has signed defender Maxime Chanot from French Ligue 2 team AC Ajaccio through 2025. Chanot will be added to the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Chanot, 34, joins LAFC after making 23 appearances (21 starts) for AC Ajaccio from 2023-2024, registering two assists.
“Maxime is a highly accomplished defender and a leader both on and off the field,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “He is a proven winner in our league and will provide valuable experience to our backline as we continue to build our roster to compete for more trophies.”
The Nancy, France native previously played eight seasons in MLS for New York City Football Club (2016-2023), ending his time in New York as a beloved fan favorite and the club’s longest-serving player, appearing in 199 games and registering 10 goals and one assist across all competitions. Chanot has made 165 MLS regular-season appearances (157 starts) in his career, scoring five goals and notching one assist while playing a key role in NYCFC’s 2021 MLS Cup victory and 2022 Campeones Cup win.
A regular member of the Luxembourg National Team, Chanot originally came to MLS after appearing in 82 total matches for K.V. Kortrijk of the Belgium Pro League from 2013-2016.
Chanot began his professional career with AS Nancy and Stade de Reims in France before joining England’s Sheffield United in 2007. He played on loan with Mansfield Town (2008) before joining French club Le Mans in 2009. He was loaned to France’s FC Gueugnon in 2010 before signing with Belgium’s White Star Woluwe FC in 2011. Chanot played nine matches for Beerschot AC of the Belgium Pro League in 2013 prior to joining K.V. Kortrijk. In 2019, K.V. Kortrijk named Chanot to its “Team of the Decade.”
Chanot has played 68 times (68 starts) for the Luxembourg National Team since 2013, scoring four goals, including one against Iceland in 2024 Euro Qualifying.
TRANSACTION – LAFC signs defender Maxime Chanot through 2025.
