Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Bio
Jean-Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (born 23 March 1989) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls. Born in Germany, he plays for the Cameroon national team. Choupo-Moting began his career with Hamburger SV, making his Bundesliga debut in August 2007. He spent the 2009–10 season on loan at 1. FC Nürnberg and in August 2011 he joined 1. FSV Mainz 05. After three seasons with Mainz, he moved on to Schalke 04 in August 2014. He became a regular for the Gelsenkirchen club, making over 80 appearances before joining Premier League side Stoke City in August 2017. Struggling for minutes in the EFL Championship with Stoke, he decided to move to Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal in August 2018. After his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, Choupo-Moting returned to the Bundesliga and joined Bayern Munich in October 2020 on a free transfer. After he was let go as a free agent by Bayern at the end of the 2023–24 season, he joined the New York Red Bulls on a free transfer in December 2024.
Early Life and Background
Choupo-Moting was born in Hamburg, West Germany, to a German mother and a Cameroonian father. He attended Gymnasium Altona, where he began playing football at an early age. His youth career included stints at Teutonia 05, Altona 93, and FC St. Pauli before joining Hamburger SV in 2004. He played semi-professional football with Hamburger SV II in the Regionalliga Nord before breaking into the first team in August 2007.
Path to Soccer
Choupo-Moting made his first appearance as a Hamburger SV player in a Bundesliga match on 11 August 2007, being sent on as a substitute in the 69th minute against Hannover 96. He struggled to establish himself in the first team and spent the 2009–10 season on loan at 1. FC Nürnberg, where he scored six goals in 27 appearances, helping the team retain their Bundesliga status. After returning to Hamburg, he continued to face challenges in securing a regular spot in the lineup.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Career
Early Career (2007–2014)
In 2011, Choupo-Moting signed a three-year contract with 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a free transfer from Hamburg. He enjoyed a successful 2011–12 season, scoring ten times in the Bundesliga. However, a knee injury sidelined him for most of the 2012–13 season. He returned to form in 2013–14, scoring ten goals in 32 appearances and helping Mainz secure seventh position, which qualified them for the UEFA Europa League. After his contract expired, he signed with FC Schalke 04 in July 2014.
Breakthrough (2014–2020)
At Schalke 04, Choupo-Moting became a regular and made over 80 appearances. He scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 home win over VfB Stuttgart on 6 December 2014. In August 2017, he joined Stoke City on a three-year contract, where he scored both goals in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United on 9 September 2017. In August 2018, he signed with Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, making his debut on 18 September 2018. He scored his first Ligue 1 goal against Rennes five days later.
Notable Works and Milestones
Choupo-Moting’s career highlights include scoring a crucial goal in the Champions League against Atalanta, leading Paris Saint-Germain to the semi-finals. He also had a notable stint with Bayern Munich, where he scored in both Champions League quarter-final matches against his former club Paris Saint-Germain.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Choupo-Moting has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, although specific nominations are not detailed.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Awards Won
Choupo-Moting has won several titles with his clubs, including league titles with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, though specific awards are not detailed.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Family
Choupo-Moting is married to Nevin, and they have two children, born in 2013 and 2021. He maintains a relatively private family life.
Personal Life
Choupo-Moting holds a German passport and has represented both Germany and Cameroon at various levels. He made his international debut for Cameroon in 2010 and participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He has faced questions regarding his eligibility to play for Cameroon but has been cleared by FIFA to represent the national team.
