Charlotte FC has added an electrifying attacking players ahead of Leagues Cup 2026, signing French winger Allan Saint-Maximin as a Designated Player.
Known for his explosive pace, dazzling dribbling and ability to create scoring chances out of nothing, Saint-Maximin arrives in Major League Soccer with the expectation of becoming an immediate difference-maker—not only in the league season, but also in Charlotte's pursuit of its first Leagues Cup title.
Leagues Cup tickets are currently available, with fans encouraged to visit **LeaguesCup.com/tickets** or their local club websites for ticket information.
A proven playmaker arrives in Charlotte
At 29 years old, Saint-Maximin joins Charlotte after a career that has taken him through some of the world's biggest leagues.
The French attacker previously starred for Newcastle United in the Premier League, where he became one of the club's most popular players thanks to his creativity and fearless one-on-one ability. Across four Premier League seasons, he made 124 appearances, scoring 13 goals and adding 21 assists while consistently ranking among the league's most dangerous dribblers.
Following spells with Al Ahli, Fenerbahçe and Club América, Saint-Maximin returned to France last season with RC Lens, helping the club capture the Coupe de France. In just 13 appearances, he recorded four goals and three assists before making the move to Charlotte FC.
Charlotte General Manager Zoran Krneta described the signing as the arrival of an elite attacking talent who is entering the prime of his career.
A perfect fit for Leagues Cup
Saint-Maximin's arrival comes at an ideal time.
Beginning August 4, Charlotte FC will once again test itself against Liga MX opposition in Leagues Cup, a competition built around high-intensity matchups between the best clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico.
Charlotte has steadily grown into one of the Eastern Conference's most competitive teams, but adding a player capable of changing a match with a single run raises the club's ceiling considerably.
His ability to beat defenders off the dribble, create numerical advantages in transition and unlock organized defenses gives Charlotte another dimension heading into a tournament where individual quality often proves decisive.
Charlotte FC has already shown it can compete in knockout tournaments. The club reached the Leagues Cup quarterfinals in 2023 before qualifying again for the expanded 2026 edition after earning an MLS Cup Playoff berth. Now, Saint-Maximin joins a squad with legitimate ambitions of making an even deeper run.
Leagues Cup and tickets are currently available. Fans are encouraged to visit leaguescup.com/tickets or their local club websites for ticket details. For general information, visit LeaguesCup.com and follow @LeaguesCup on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube; @LeaguesCup on TikTok and subscribe to our channel on WhatsApp.
