Maximilien Balard has quickly gone from one of Australia’s brightest A-League talents to a regular starter in the Dutch Eredivisie.
If you have been searching for Maximilien Balard’s net worth, his salary at NAC Breda, or how much he has earned throughout his career, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Maximilien Balard’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maximilien Balard |
| Date of Birth | 20 November 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Nationality | Australian (of French descent) |
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Current Club | NAC Breda (Eredivisie, Netherlands) |
| Shirt Number | 16 |
| Turned Professional | 2020 (Central Coast Mariners) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 USD |
| Annual Salary | ~€200,000 (approx. $220,000 USD) |
| Contract Expires | June 2027 |
| Languages Spoken | English, French, Spanish |
Early Life & Career
Maximilien Balard was born on 20 November 2000 in Sydney, Australia, to French parents who both grew up in Annecy, in southern France.
His father was a French youth international rugby player who first came to Australia while recovering from an ACL injury.
The family did not stay in one place for long — Balard left Australia at just three years old, moving to Malaysia, then Sri Lanka during the civil war, followed by Vietnam and Dubai before finally returning to Australia.
That unconventional upbringing shaped him into a naturally adaptable person.
He grew up speaking French at home, picked up Spanish along the way, and eventually settled back in Australia to complete his schooling at Freshwater Senior Campus, where he graduated with an impressive ATAR of 94.2.
He then enrolled at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), earning a double degree in Economics and Commerce — all while pursuing a professional football career.
Balard joined the Central Coast Mariners Academy on a scholarship from the TAG Foundation and quickly stood out as a technically gifted midfielder with a sharp football brain.
His time at UNSW was supported by an elite athlete scholarship, which helped him manage exam schedules around his training commitments — a balance he credits for giving him mental stability and a safety net outside the game.
Professional Career
Balard made his senior professional debut for Central Coast Mariners in the 2020–21 A-League season, coming on against Macarthur FC.
He became a regular starter from the 2021–22 season onward, quickly earning the trust of the coaching staff with his defensive work rate and composure in possession.
The 2022–23 season was a landmark year. Balard was part of the Mariners squad that won the A-League Men Championship, beating Melbourne City 6–1 in the Grand Final at Western Sydney Stadium.
He followed that up with an even bigger 2023–24 campaign, helping the club win the Championship, the Premiership, and the AFC Cup — a remarkable treble for an Australian club.
He also captained the team in an Australia Cup tie that season and picked up the Mariners Medal as the club’s best player.
His performances in Australia attracted European interest, and in July 2024, Balard signed a three-year contract with NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie on a free transfer — the same day his departure from Central Coast was announced.
At NAC Breda, he immediately became a first-team regular, earning an Eredivisie Team of the Month award in April 2025.
His market value, tracked by Transfermarkt, rose sharply from €550,000 in October 2024 to €850,000 by December 2024, reflecting his strong form in Europe. As of 2026, it sits at approximately €1.7 million.
On the international stage, Balard received his first Socceroos call-up in November 2024 for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches.
He made his debut on 5 September 2025 in a friendly against New Zealand, coming off the bench in the 85th minute and scoring the winning goal in the 87th — a moment he shared with his father on the pitch in a raw and emotional embrace.
According to Football Australia’s official Socceroos website, he was called up for a second time in May 2025 ahead of World Cup qualifiers in Abu Dhabi.
Maximilien Balard’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Maximilien Balard’s has an estimated net worth of $500,000 USD.
He built this wealth through his professional soccer contracts in Australia with Central Coast Mariners and now in Europe with NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie, supplemented by his growing international profile with the Australian Socceroos.
Contract
Balard joined NAC Breda on a three-year contract in July 2024, making him a contracted player at the club through June 2027.
The move was made on a free transfer after his Central Coast Mariners contract included a clause allowing him to leave for an overseas offer — a forward-thinking agreement that served him well.
His current deal keeps him in the Netherlands at least until the 2026–27 Eredivisie season, giving the club security heading into what they hope will be a period of continued top-flight stability.
Salary
According to salary data tracked by AiScore, Balard earns an estimated gross annual salary of approximately €200,000 at NAC Breda, which works out to roughly €3,846 per week.
This places him among the middle earners at the club, well below the top earner but consistent with his status as a regular starting midfielder rather than a marquee signing.
For a player of his age and experience in European football, this is a realistic and well-aligned figure for the Eredivisie level.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Competition | Est. Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Central Coast Mariners | A-League | ~$40,000 AUD |
| 2021–22 | Central Coast Mariners | A-League Men | ~$80,000 AUD |
| 2022–23 | Central Coast Mariners | A-League Men | ~$120,000 AUD |
| 2023–24 | Central Coast Mariners | A-League Men / AFC Cup | ~$160,000 AUD |
| 2024–25 | NAC Breda | Eredivisie | ~€200,000 |
| 2025–26 | NAC Breda | Eredivisie | ~€200,000 |
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Coast Mariners | 2020–21 | A-League | 5 | 0 | — |
| Central Coast Mariners | 2021–22 | A-League Men | 21 | 0 | — |
| Central Coast Mariners | 2022–23 | A-League Men | 26 | 0 | — |
| Central Coast Mariners | 2023–24 | A-League Men | 29 | 3 | — |
| CCM Total | 81 | 3 | 1 | ||
| NAC Breda | 2024–25 | Eredivisie | 33 | 1 | — |
| NAC Breda | 2025–26 | Eredivisie | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| NAC Breda Total | 37 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Career Total | 171 | 8 | — |
| International | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (Socceroos) | 2025 | 3 | 1 |
FAQs
What is Maximilien Balard’s net worth?
Maximilien Balard’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000 USD. He earned this through his professional contracts at Central Coast Mariners in Australia and NAC Breda in the Netherlands.
How much does Maximilien Balard earn at NAC Breda?
He earns an estimated gross annual salary of €200,000 at NAC Breda, which breaks down to roughly €3,846 per week, according to available salary tracking data.
When does Maximilien Balard’s contract at NAC Breda expire?
His contract at NAC Breda runs until June 2027. He signed a three-year deal when he joined the Dutch club on a free transfer from Central Coast Mariners in July 2024.
Has Maximilien Balard played for the Australian national team?
Yes, he made his Socceroos debut on 5 September 2025 against New Zealand. He came off the bench and scored the winner in the 87th minute, capping an emotional night with his father watching in the stands.
What trophies has Maximilien Balard won?
He has won two A-League Men Championships (2022–23, 2023–24), one A-League Men Premiership (2023–24), and the AFC Cup (2023–24) — all with Central Coast Mariners. He also won the 2024 Mariners Medal as the club’s best player.
