Maximilien Balard (born 20 November 2000) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Dutch Eredivisie club NAC Breda.
[3] Balard was born in Sydney, Australia to French parents, both of whom hailed from Annecy in Southern France and met in high school.
Balard was in the starting XI for the 2023 Grand Final as the Mariners won the A-League Championship with a 6–1 victory over Melbourne City at Western Sydney Stadium.
[13] In July 2024, the club revealed that Balard had signed a season long extension, however there was an agreement that he can leave on a free transfer to pursue an opportunity overseas.
[14] The same day Balard left Central Coast Mariners, it was announced that he joined Dutch club NAC Breda on a three-year contract.