How Maxence Lacroix rose from Sochaux to become a Premier League star
In short: From his professional debut in Ligue 2 to a £52 million transfer to Chelsea, Maxence Lacroix's ascent has been meteoric. The French defender has become a cornerstone of Crystal Palace's historic trophy haul, proving his worth on the biggest stages in European football.
Maxence Lacroix's journey through professional football began in earnest on 22 December 2018, when he made his senior debut for FC Sochaux-Montbéliard during a 1–0 Ligue 2 victory against FC Lorient. After establishing himself in France, he moved to the German Bundesliga in August 2020, signing a four-year deal with VfL Wolfsburg. It was in Germany that he notched his first Bundesliga goal on 27 February 2021, during a 2–0 win over Hertha BSC.
A pivotal chapter in Lacroix's career began in August 2024 when he joined Crystal Palace for £18 million on a five-year contract. This move reunited him with his former Wolfsburg manager, Oliver Glasner. His impact was immediate; he scored his first goal for the club against Manchester City on 7 December. His tenure at Palace was defined by historic success, including winning the club's first major trophy—the FA Cup—in the 2025 final against Manchester City.
Lacroix's trophy cabinet expanded further through European success. He played a vital role in Palace's 2026 UEFA Conference League triumph, which included a 1–0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on 27 May 2026. His performances earned him a place in the UEFA Conference League Team of the Season for 2025–26. This rapid rise culminated in a high-profile move to Chelsea on 30 July 2026, where he signed a six-year contract worth a reported £52 million, securing his place at the club until 2032.
Beyond club football, Lacroix has become a fixture for the France national team. After receiving his first senior call-up in March 2026 for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, he was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. His career trajectory highlights the intense competitive ladder of modern football, moving from youth international levels to the highest echelons of the Premier League and international competition.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Maxence Lacroix
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-maxence-lacroix.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
