Former NYCFC Captain Maxime Chanot is forced to retire | OneFootball

On Wednesday, Los Angeles FC and New York City FC fans received some news nobody wanted to see or hear: Maxime Chanot is retiring. The former captain of the Pigeons is ending his professional career after 19 years and at 35. Similar to his former teammate, Anton Tinnerholm, the center-back struggled to return to full health after suffering injury issues.

Maxime Chanot is forced to retire

The difference for Chanot was that he suffered a head injury, and he could not overcome it. So, he could not return to the pitch and play professionally. As such, the wish of the defender possibly returning to NYCFC before he hung up his boots is a dream that will never come true.

Of course, if one had told fans of the Bronx team a few years ago that Chanot would retire while he was a member of LAFC, then they would not believe that. Alas, the beloved NYCFC legend, who deserves a statue outside of the future stadium, left in the summer of 2023. The club's reason was due to his desire to return home to France, but supporters saw the writing on the wall, or in this case, social media.

Based on reports and Chanot's own online posts, it is believed that he had a falling out with the former head coach, Nick Cushing. It was thought that he was, in a sense, forced out. That left a bitter taste in the mouths of the fans, and ultimately was part of a large pot of soup of reasons why they wanted Cushing gone.

It must be said, though, that such a reason was never confirmed or proven. All of it was speculation, but it was extremely loud speculation. It did not help either when he returned stateside in 2024 to rejoin LAFC.

Hence, especially with some of his reduced playing time regardless of his injury issues, there was hope he could possibly return to his Big Apple home, even as a bench player. It also helped that the Pigeons have Pascal Jansen as the head coach, and Cushing is no longer employed by the team.

Sadly, he can no longer play. But maybe one day he can start his coaching career with NYCFC, either as an assistant coach or even through the academy. The way he left was not ideal, but he is still beloved by everyone. Chanot bled city blue and wore the crest with pride. His passion was undeniable, and he was a vital member of the 2021 MLS Cup Championship team.

It hurts to see the former NYCFC captain end his career this way, but the memories of what he did for the Bronx side will live on forever. Hopefully, he will have continuous success as he turns to his next step in his career.