Six Months, One Decision: Alain Saint-Maximin Leaves Club America Over Racism Controversy

“Point of no return” pushes the French star to make his decision.

What happened

French striker Alain Saint-Maximin, the forward for Club America, has officially ended his contract with the Mexican club after less than six months, in a move prompted by a string of targeted racist incidents aimed at his children.

The player, 28, said in a strong statement posted on social media that the main reason for the decision was the repeated racist attacks that targeted his family, adding that he could bear personal pressure or abuse, but would never accept attacks on his loved ones.

Saint-Maximin stated in his message: “The problem isn’t skin tone, but tone of ideas. Being targeted is not a problem for me. I’ve grown up and learned how to respond to hidden, or masked, or direct attacks.”

The player added that any physical or verbal abuse directed at him would not shake him, but the moment insults crossed the line by aiming at his children was the point of no return.

Club America’s response to the situation has been cautious but supportive, with the club recognizing the importance of safeguarding players and families and condemning all forms of discrimination or violence that undermine human dignity.

“We express our unwavering solidarity with Alain Saint-Maximin and his family who have the support of everyone affiliated with this institution. Thank you for wearing our colors,” the club’s statement read.

The Frenchman joined Club America in August 2025 coming from Al-Ahli Saudi FC (after ending his loan spell at Fenerbahçe), featuring in 16 league matches (9 as a starter). He traveled to Mexico with his wife and their three children.

Saint-Maximin’s career trajectory has seen him move from Saint-Etienne to Monaco and Nice before a high-profile spell with Newcastle United in 2019, followed by time with Al-Ahli and, more recently, Mexico.

He began his professional journey with Saint-Etienne, then Monaco and Nice before his 2019 move to Newcastle United, spending four seasons there before transfers to Al Ahli Jeddah and then the Mexican league.

In sum, the decision marks a dramatic end to a short Mexican chapter and a return to a broader international narrative surrounding the player’s career and the sport’s ongoing battles with discrimination.

Punchline 1: If hate had offside rules, these idiots would be forever pushed back to the midfield—nice try, but you still don’t score a goal against humanity.

Punchline 2: In football and life, some players quit the game when the talk becomes louder than the goals. Fortunately for us, his silence is louder than most cheers.