Allan Saint-Maximin says he had to speak out after his children were racially abused
Allan Saint-Maximin has told BBC Sport he felt it was "important to step up" and speak out after his children were racially abused this year, explaining that he will never accept discrimination despite the personal cost. The winger, now with MLS side Charlotte, also discussed his spells at Club America, Lens and Newcastle United.
- Who: Allan Saint-Maximin, French winger, now at Major League Soccer side Charlotte
- What: He spoke publicly after his children were racially abused in 2023
- Where: The abuse occurred at his children's school while he played for Club America in Mexico
- When: He first posted on Instagram in January, a post liked by over 159,000 people
- Clubs: Club America, Lens, Newcastle United and Charlotte all feature in his story
- At stake: His decision to prioritise family over football, and his legacy at Charlotte under Dean Smith
What was said
"Whatever your colour is, you don't have to accept this."
"I explained to the kids what happened was not normal and they knew already. They were not really happy about that. I was a bit sad about my son, but in every place there is these type of things, even in France, the country where I am from. As I said to them, it's something they don't have to accept."
"After, when we moved to Lens, it was good but you see some stuff and you are like, 'in every place, there are some things different or some things you are not going to like'. If you are waiting for the perfect place, you are wrong."
"It was not the fault of Club America. I have nothing against them, the players or the Mexican people. I love the club. It was one of the best places I've been with my family. It's just some random people say some stuff and try to attack your family. You never really know who they support or why they do this, but when this affects your kids there are not many choices to take."
"It was a difficult choice for me and my family, but I take my responsibility because I always say I will never accept stuff like this. It was important to show to people, especially in my situation, that I can lose a lot of things, but I will never accept this."
"My family have always followed me to every single place. So this time was more of a family choice. It was a way for me to give back what they have given to me since I started my career."
"To see some robot play doesn't make sense to me."
"When you feel that opportunity, that feeling on your shoulder, you are like, 'this is heavy'."
"If I was able to give all of my money to them, I would because there is nothing better than the feeling they give you. It's something you can't buy, and I've tried to. The love they give to you, when I ran with the ball, I had the feeling of people behind me and I ran because of them. This feeling is incredible. I wish the same for every single player because they can bring the best out of you."
"Newcastle is my dream club. I love it from the bottom of my heart. I watch every single game. They gave me what no-one gave to me and I'll never forget that. I'm very loyal. I had many opportunities to come to the Premier League, but I didn't because of them."
Why Saint-Maximin put family before football
Saint-Maximin's account is a reminder that racial abuse does not stop at the stadium gates. The abuse his children suffered at school in Mexico forced a move that few players would have made at the peak of their careers. He had no choice but to leave Club America, and he is careful to separate the club from the individuals who targeted his family. Club America responded with a statement expressing "absolute solidarity" and their players held up a 'No to racism' banner before facing Necaxa. That show of support mattered, but it could not undo the damage.
His short spell at Lens was more than a rebound. He helped the club win the French Cup for the first time in their 120-year history and finish second in Ligue 1. Yet even in France, the country of his birth, he encountered attitudes he could not accept. His conclusion — that waiting for a perfect place is a mistake — is both pragmatic and weary. It also explains why he chose Charlotte in MLS. The move was a family decision, a way of giving back to the people who have followed him everywhere. Dean Smith, a "straightforward guy" who will "tell you the truth straight away", is the manager he wants to work with. As one of Charlotte's two designated players, he has set out to create a legacy and entertain supporters. His refusal to be a "robot" is a promise of the maverick football that made him a cult hero at Newcastle.
Newcastle, the dream club he could not say no to
Four years at Newcastle — the longest stint of his nomadic career — left a mark that no other club has matched. He arrived from Nice and quickly bonded with supporters, volunteering at the city's foodbank and giving fans gifts including Rolex watches. Those gestures were not publicity. He speaks of the feeling of running with the ball and sensing the crowd behind him, a sensation he says money cannot buy. That bond explains why he turned down opportunities to return to the Premier League. Loyalty, in his words, is not a slogan.
He also understood the weight of Newcastle's relegation battles, knowing staff could lose their jobs if the club went down. That responsibility, he admits, was "heavy". He experienced the highs too, as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in his final campaign in 2023. He left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli but still watches every game. He hopes current head coach Matthias Jaissle, who took over from Eddie Howe this summer, and his staff have the best possible time at St James' Park. For a player who has moved across continents, Newcastle remains home in his heart.
Talking points
- Should more players follow Saint-Maximin's example and speak publicly about abuse, even when it brings personal cost?
- Does his admission that he turned down Premier League offers to stay loyal to Newcastle change how fans see his departure to Saudi Arabia?
- Can a maverick like Saint-Maximin thrive under a structured MLS coach like Dean Smith, or will the league iron out his flair?
- Was leaving Club America the only possible response to abuse, or could clubs do more to protect players' families?
What happens next
Saint-Maximin will continue his first season with Charlotte in Major League Soccer under Dean Smith, aiming to create a legacy and entertain supporters. Newcastle, the club he calls his dream, continue their Premier League campaign under Matthias Jaissle. For Saint-Maximin, the immediate focus is family and football in the United States, but his bond with Newcastle means every game at St James' Park is still on his screen.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Allan Saint-Maximin speak out about racism?
His children were racially abused at school while he played for Club America. He said it was important to step up and that he will never accept discrimination, even if he loses things as a result.
Which club does Allan Saint-Maximin play for now?
He joined Major League Soccer side Charlotte on a family-driven move, after a short-term deal at Lens. He previously played for Club America, Newcastle United and Al-Ahli.
Is Newcastle still Saint-Maximin's dream club?
Yes. He says Newcastle is his dream club, that he loves it from the bottom of his heart, watches every game, and turned down Premier League opportunities out of loyalty to them.
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