Maxence Lacroix
CRY
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Apr 6, 2000 (26)
Right
6'3"
194 lb
ChelseaPlays hour in Sociedad win
Lacroix played an hour in Saturday's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad after returning to training earlier in the week, according to coach Xabi Alonso. "They did quite well to play this well after just three days of training"
Analysis: Lacroix is one of Chelsea's new signings for the season and figures to see regular playing time in coach Xabi Alonso's three man backline once fully up to speed. His involvement in this match is an encouraging sign given the limited buildup time before the Aug. 24 opener against Fulham. Lacroix is expected to continue integrating with his new teammates as preseason wraps up.
Links up with teammates
Lacroix returned to Chelsea on Tuesday for pre-season work ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Analysis: Lacroix is one of several new faces at Chelsea for the 2025/26 season, and the Frenchman should see regular playing time at the back for the Blues. It remains to be seen if he'll be fit enough to start in less than two weeks in the opener versus Fulham on Aug. 24, but throughout the season, he figures to play a key role in Chelsea's defensive line in Xabi Alonso's three-man backline.
Signs with Chelsea
Lacroix signed a contract with Chelsea through 2032, joining from Crystal Palace, according to his new club.
Analysis: Lacroix arrives after making 98 appearances across two seasons with Crystal Palace, playing a key role in the club's historic run that delivered the Conference League, FA Cup and Community Shield titles. The 26-year-old center back came through Sochaux's academy before spending four seasons at Wolfsburg, where he totaled 130 appearances, and also earned his first France call-up in March before featuring three times at the World Cup as Les Bleus finished fourth. Already at Cobham, Lacroix will begin preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign under coach Xabi Alonso and is expected to remain a regular starter as one of the league's top center backs.
Makes four clearances in loss
Lacroix registered one tackle (one won), four clearances and one interception in Saturday's 6-4 loss versus England.
Analysis: Lacroix set himself apart from a disastrous performance for France's defense, as he registered a clearance off the goal line and a last-man tackle in addition to a variety of contributions throughout the match. The Crystal Palace man emerged as William Saliba's (back) replacement for the final couple of games, but it was not enough for him to record a clean sheet given that he was an unused substitute in the easier matches. Still, he remains an imposing center-back asset for future action with both club and country.
Steps up in starting opportunity
Lacroix recorded two tackles (one won), five clearances and one interception in Friday's 4-1 victory versus Norway.
Analysis: Lacroix registered one interception, two tackles (one won) and five clearances across his 90 minutes in Friday's 4-1 win over Norway, filling in capably for the rested William Saliba against a second-string Norwegian attack that included Jorgen Strand Larsen. The centre-back was tested when Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back in the first half and again when Oscar Bobb had a one-on-one saved by Maignan in the second, but was otherwise composed and assured alongside Dayot Upamecano. His performances as a reliable deputy give coach Didier Deschamps genuine defensive depth heading into the knockout phase, with Saliba expected to return for the round of 32.
Forced off with minor concern
Lacroix (undisclosed) was forced off during Sunday's clash against Brentford but early signs suggest the issue is not serious, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per BBC. "Maxence, I think is not a problem."
Analysis: Lacroix's early exit had raised immediate concerns given the timing of the injury, but manager Oliver Glasner's reassuring comments provide significant relief for Crystal Palace. The center-back is an undisputed starter and one of the more important defensive figures in the squad, making his fitness a priority heading into the Conference League final. His availability is also a major concern on the international front, with the French defender part of the national team setup ahead of the World Cup in June. Further assessment will confirm the extent of the issue, but the initial signs are encouraging.
Starts Monday
Lacroix (knee) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against West Ham.
Analysis: Lacroix suffered an injury in Conference League play but is already fit once again, not only an option but starting immediately in the defense. This has the defender continue in his regular spot, earning 10 clean sheets in 29 appearances this season. This spot should stick until the end of the season, that is if he remains fit.
Suffers injury against Fiorentina
Lacroix was forced to exit Thursday's UEFA Conference League game versus Fiorentina because of a potential knee issue.
Analysis: Lacroix limped off the pitch and had ice applied on his right knee after leaving the midweek match with discomfort. He'll need to be assessed but could be ruled out of future action in case of a severe issue. His place in the UECL game was taken by Chadi Riad, who could benefit from the situation if the Frenchman fails to recover in time for upcoming fixtures.
Four shots from defense
Lacroix recorded four shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Lacroix would see a rare statline for a defender Sunday, with the center-back notching four shots, although not a single one on net. He would see some decent work in the defense with a tackle won and 15 clearances, also earning a clean sheet. He remains a top option in the defense, starting in all 28 games.
Back from suspension
Lacroix could be selected again in future matchups following a one-match ban he served against Tottenham.
Analysis: Lacroix will look to regain his spot as part of a three-man back line alongside Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot, causing Chadi Riad to head back to the bench for upcoming fixtures. Lacroix produced his first goal of the season during his most recent start, and he has also been a consistent contributor of clearances and interceptions.
Shown straight red
Lacroix was shown a red card in the 56th minute of Sunday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Lacroix is going to serve a one-match ban following Sunday's outing, as the defender was shown a red for stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity. This will be a rough loss for the club as they do without a starting defender for the time being. Chaidi Riad could enter the starting XI in his place until an option again when facing Leeds United on March 15.
Starting vs. Zrinjski
Lacroix (groin) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's Conference League matchup against Zrinjski.
Analysis: The center-back was a late call for this matchup, but not only has he been deemed fit, but he'll also start and lead the backline. Lacroix has been a regular starter this season and has racked up 26 starts in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Trains with squad, late call
Lacroix (groin) was spotted back in team training Wednesday and is a late call for Thrusday's clash against HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "There is still a small question mark with Maxence. He trained the session [today, Wednesday]. In a few situations he could feel a little bit of weariness, but he looks okay."
Analysis: Lacroix sat out the last match with a groin issue, but that problem now looks to be in the rearview after he was back in full team training Wednesday. The center-back could be in the mix for Thursday's Conference League clash against HSK Zrinjski Mostar, as he has been a locked-in starter and has logged every possible minute for the Eagles so far this season. That said, if the staff decide to ease him back into action, Jaydee Canvot would be in line for another uptick in minutes along Crystal Palace's back line.
Remains out
Lacroix (groin) is out for Sunday's match against Wolves.
Analysis: Lacroix was doubtful and has not reached full fitness for Sunday, with the defender not named to the team sheet. This is a major absence in the defense for the club, as he has yet to miss a start all season, with Chadi Riad, Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot starting in the center of the defense.
Doubtful for Sunday
Lacroix (groin) is doubtful for Sunday's match against Wolves, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "How it looked like yesterday, yes, but again, we will assess him further with training in the afternoon [on Friday], after the press conference and then, we will see. But yeah, he had to be subbed because he had problems with his adductor, and he mentioned it at half-time already, so it doesn't look really good."
Analysis: Lacroix looks to be on the outside looking in as the club prepares for Sunday, with a groin injury he suffered in Thursday's Conference League match likely to keep him out. Unfortunately for the club, the defender is yet to miss a start all season, so this could be a major loss. With the French player more than likely not starting, the club will likely call on Chadi Riad and Jaydee Canvot to start, with Jefferson Lerma (undisclosed) also out.
Suffers adductor injury
Lacroix suffered an adductor injury and was forced off in the 64th minute of Thursday's 1-1 draw against Zrinjski in the Conference League, coach Olivier Glasner said to the media, according to Football on TNT Sports. "I don't know the level (of injury). When you have to make a sub due to a muscle problem it's never a good sign. Hopefully it's not too bad."
Analysis: Lacroix was forced off in the 64th minute of Thursday's draw with an adductor injury and went straight down the tunnel, immediately raising concerns. The center-back had logged every single minute for the Eagles this season before that setback and now faces a tight turnaround ahead of Sunday's showdown with Wolves. He is set to undergo scans in the coming hours to determine the extent of the damage, and if he is sidelined, young Jaydee Canvot is in line for an expanded role along the back line.
Nine clearances in clean sheet
Lacroix registered one tackle (one won), nine clearances and one interception in Wednesday's 0-0 draw versus Aston Villa.
Analysis: Lacroix led the team with nine clearances and has now recorded at least eight in each of his last four games. He added one tackle, having failed to register a tackle only three times across 21 league starts, and logged one interception to extend his streak to five straight matches with at least one.
10 clearances in clean sheet
Lacroix recorded one tackle (one won), 10 clearances and one interception in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Lacroix contributed one tackle, one interception, and one block while leading the team with 10 clearances, marking his second consecutive match with double-digit clearances and helping secure the team's seventh clean sheet. The defender has been a mainstay in Palace's back line, playing every game this season and recording 26 tackles, 19 interceptions, seven blocks and 100 clearances. Offensively, he has also attempted six shots, created three chances and provided two assists.
Dishes assist in win
Lacroix assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Lacroix picked up his second assist of the season, and his first goal contribution in nine appearances, as he set up Daniel Munoz for a shot from the center of the box in the 63rd minute of play. This also marked the fourth time this season that Lacroix recorded at least 45 completed passes.
Eight clearances in clean sheet
Lacroix generated eight clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Brentford.
Analysis: Lacroix continued his role in a stable defensive line, starting his 10th league match and helping the team to a fourth clean sheet with eight clearances and two interceptions. He now has 73 clearances, 16 interceptions, and 18 tackles on the season. The defender remains limited in attack but created two chances, converting one into an assist, while taking four shots.
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