French winger Allan Saint-Maximin has terminated his contract with Mexico’s Club América after his children were subjected to repeated racist attacks, cutting short his tenure after just five months.
The club announced the abrupt departure by mutual agreement following its 2-0 victory over Necaxa on Saturday, marking a sudden end to what was initially a promising two-year deal reportedly worth $10 million.
The decision came directly after Saint-Maximin revealed on his social media accounts that his family had been targeted. “The problem is not the color of skin, it’s the color of thoughts,” the player wrote on Thursday.
He expressed a hardened resilience toward personal attacks but drew an unequivocal line when it came to his family. “I am being attacked, that’s not a problem. I have grown up, I have learned to fight against attacks. But there is one thing I will never tolerate, and that is attacks on my children”.
In a more detailed Instagram post, he stated, “Protecting my children is my priority. I will fight with all my strength to ensure that they are respected and loved, regardless of their origins or skin colour”.
Club América confirmed the incident, with coach André Jardine calling it “regrettable” and noting it “had already happened more than once.” He condemned the attacks, stating, “there is no place for it in the world”.
The club issued a formal statement expressing “absolute solidarity” with Saint-Maximin and his family and reiterating its “strong condemnation of any act of discrimination and/or violence that violates human dignity”.
In a show of support before the match against Necaxa, the team warmed up in shirts bearing an “no al racismo” message and posed with an anti-racism banner.
Jardine acknowledged that while the racist incidents were the primary cause, other factors contributed to the player’s decision. “It was a big change for him to come from Europe to Mexico,” the coach said, citing challenges with adaptation, including family life, food, and lifestyle.
Saint-Maximin, who joined the club in August 2025, made 16 league appearances, scoring three goals. His exit creates a significant sporting challenge for the club. “He’s a fantastic player who was doing well,” Jardine conceded. “We have to try to find a way to replace him”.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the experiences of foreign athletes and their families in Mexico. Saint-Maximin, a former Newcastle United fan favorite who has played in France, England, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, now finds himself seeking a new club mid-season.
As the football world reacts, his departure stands as a stark reminder of the personal toll of racism and the difficult choices families must make in its face.