Everything you need to know about Newcastle United maverick Allan Saint-Maximin!
Allan Saint-Maximin is a French professional footballer who currently plays as a winger for Newcastle United in the Premier League. He was born on March 12, 1997, in Châtenay-Malabry, France.
Saint-Maximin began his football career at the age of six with local club Les Ulis. He then joined the youth ranks at Saint-Etienne in 2013, where he developed his skills and caught the attention of scouts from across Europe. After making just one first-team appearance for the French outfit, he was snapped up by Monaco in 2015.
However, they loaned him out immediately to gain regular first-team football, first to Hannover 96 for whom he featured in 18 games, scoring once, in a relegation campaign. Then on to then-Ligue 1 outfit SC Bastia, where he made 36 appearances and scored three times but they were relegated anyway.
He returned to Monaco, who had just won the league title, so regular minutes were difficult to come by, and he only played two games before being sold to OGC Nice.
Here he played under Lucien Favre for a season, and then Patrick Vieira, finishing seventh and eighth.
His speed and direct play attracted Newcastle, and they bought him for a reported fee of £16.5m in August 2019.
The 26-year-old has made a strong impression at St. James' Park, quickly becoming a fan favourite thanks to his fearless dribbling and natural flair. He went on to make 26 appearances in his debut season, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
Since then, he continued to be a key player for the club, helping the Magpies stave off relegation in the last two seasons before playing a vital role in their climb up the table in recent times as Eddie Howe's men recently reached their first cup final in 22 years and remain in contention for a place in the Champions League this season.
What are the 15 things you absolutely need to know about the Newcastle trickster?
Street football running in his veins!
Neither of Saint-Maximin's parents were involved in the game. He was raised in a reasonably affluent family, and didn't have financial troubles in his formative years. His mother was the director of education at a renowned school in the Paris outskirts. Meanwhile, his father worked as an office administrator at Paris Diderot University.
Athletics arrived first among all sporting alternatives for the youngster, thanks to his innate passion for running and explosive activities. Later, he transferred his athletic abilities to football and started playing alongside his elder brother, Kurtys, who at the time aspired to be a footballer.
He used to play with boys his brother's age, and developed a reputation in street football.
The largely uncoached freestyler was luckily offered trials with Verrieres-le-Buisson, from where his professional journey began.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesFriends with Hatem Ben Arfa 🤝
It’s easy to see the similarities between Saint-Maximin and Hatem Ben Arfa. They’re both French, terrific dribblers, a nightmare for defenders and fan favourites at St James’ Park.
When Ben Arfa was at his best, he was unstoppable. His time in the North-East ended on a sour note, but Newcastle streets will never forget him, or his spectacular solo goals.
Indeed, the French duo happen to be friends. What's more, before joining Newcastle, Saint-Maximin rang his compatriot for advice.
“I remember Hatem Ben Arfa played here,” he told the Telegraph. “He told me to sign. He is a good friend, we grew up in the same area. He had some of his best days at Newcastle and wished he had stayed longer."
Saint-Maximin has acknowledged Ben Arfa is a player he looks up to for the latter's dribbling ability.
“For dribbling, I love Hatem so much,” said Saint-Maximin. “I love a lot of players, but, for me, it’s Ben Arfa. He scored a lot of good goals.
"He had an injury one time, and maybe this was a bit difficult for him, but everybody knows he’s a great player.”
Could've signed for Arsenal 🖋️
What if we told you that Saint-Maximin could easily have been plying his trade for Arsenal had things turned out differently for him in the past?
The Gunners have been one of the most consistent suitors of the Frenchman, who grew up idolising Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. However, for his development, regular gametime was of paramount importance, as he turned down interest from the north London club not once, but twice.
First was when he left Monaco to join Nice. There were also reports in the media that Saint-Maximin had been a transfer target for Arsenal during the summer of 2019. However, the French winger ultimately opted to sign for Newcastle, who were ready to give him a prominent role in their project moving forwards.
He's absolutely loving life in the North-East, and is well-adored by a passionate set of supporters, with the club back on the rise since the Saudi-led takeover.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Gives back to Newcastle community
From his appearance and fashion focus, one may assume he's a flashy and egoist personality, but you'd be wrong. Saint-Maximin is a smart and humble guy who knows what he's doing, which is putting others before himself.
He arrived at Tyneside with reports stating he's a spectacular talent, but with a bad attitude. However, the Magpies faithful have discovered it to be otherwise.
His parents and teachers instilled in him all of the principles of generosity he needed to stay grounded despite his riches. From being a regular contributor of the NUFC Foodbank to making significant donations during COVID-19 to taking 100s of young Newcastle fans to a toy shop and buying them a toy of their wish, he gives a lot back to the Newcastle community.
Needless to say, he shares a special relationship with Toon faithful, and is hero-worshipped by many of them.