Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: Career & Stats

For football enthusiasts keen to follow the journey of a seasoned striker, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting offers a compelling narrative. From his formative years in Germany to impactful stints at some of Europe's biggest clubs, Choupo-Moting has carved a significant niche in the modern game. This article delves into his career trajectory, key achievements, and where you can stay updated on his latest performances.

The Early Years: From Hamburg to Mainz

Born in Hamburg, Germany, to a German mother and a Cameroonian father, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's footballing journey began at a young age. He honed his skills in the youth academies of several Hamburg-based clubs, including Teutonia 05, Altona 93, and FC St. Pauli, before making the move to Hamburger SV in 2004. His progression through the ranks saw him play for Hamburger SV II in the semi-professional Regionalliga Nord before earning his senior debut in the Bundesliga on 11 August 2007, coming on as a substitute against Hannover 96. Despite showing flashes of potential, establishing a consistent first-team place proved challenging. The 2009-10 season saw him embark on a loan spell at 1. FC Nürnberg, where he found his scoring boots, netting six goals in 27 appearances and playing a crucial role in helping the club avoid relegation. Upon his return to Hamburg, he struggled to make a significant impact, and a proposed loan move to 1. FC Köln in January 2011 fell through due to a last-minute administrative error, leading him to spend the remainder of the season with the reserves.

A fresh start beckoned, and on 18 May 2011, Choupo-Moting signed a three-year contract with fellow Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a free transfer. His time at Mainz proved to be a turning point in his career. The 2011-12 season was particularly fruitful, as he found the net ten times in the Bundesliga, showcasing his attacking prowess. While the following season was hampered by a significant knee injury, he returned to form in the 2013-14 campaign, contributing ten goals in 32 appearances and helping Mainz secure a seventh-place finish, which earned them qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Despite his resurgence, Choupo-Moting opted not to renew his contract with Mainz at the end of the season.

Bundesliga Powerhouse: Schalke 04

Following his departure from Mainz, FC Schalke 04 confirmed the signing of Choupo-Moting on a three-year professional contract until 30 June 2017, on 5 July 2014. The transfer was a free one, adding to Schalke's attacking options. He was assigned the squad number 13, and it didn't take long for him to make his mark. On 6 December 2014, Choupo-Moting delivered a standout performance, scoring a memorable hat-trick in a commanding 4-0 home victory over VfB Stuttgart, highlighting his clinical finishing abilities.

Premier League Stint: Stoke City

In a move that saw him test his skills in the English Premier League, Choupo-Moting joined Stoke City on 7 August 2017, signing a three-year deal. He made his debut for the Potters on 12 August 2017 against Everton. His time at Stoke was marked by some notable performances, including scoring both goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester United on 9 September 2017, a display that earned him the 'man of the match' award from BBC Sport. However, his debut against Everton also saw him suffer an injury shortly after scoring, contributing to Stoke's 2-1 defeat. In his single season with Stoke City, Choupo-Moting made 32 appearances and scored five goals, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the club's relegation to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Parisian Flair: Paris Saint-Germain

Choupo-Moting's career took another significant turn when he joined Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer on 31 August 2018. He made his debut for the Parisian giants in a Champions League fixture against Liverpool on 18 September 2018. His Ligue 1 debut followed five days later against Rennes, where he opened his goal-scoring account for the club. The 2018-19 season also saw an unfortunate moment of notoriety for Choupo-Moting. In a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on 7 April 2019, he was involved in an incident where he inadvertently cleared a shot from teammate Christopher Nkunku off the goal line, an event widely described by the BBC as "the worst miss in the history of football."

The 2019-20 season, however, provided ample opportunity for redemption and memorable contributions. On 25 August 2019, he came off the bench to replace the injured Edinson Cavani and scored twice in the second half of a 4-0 win over Toulouse, including a stunning solo effort where he beat four defenders. The defining moment of his PSG career, and perhaps one of the most dramatic in recent Champions League history, came on 12 August 2020. In the dying moments of the Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta, Choupo-Moting scored the winning goal in stoppage time, completing a remarkable turnaround for PSG and sending them to the semi-finals for the first time in 25 years. He later featured as a substitute in the Champions League final, which PSG narrowly lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

Bavarian Success: Bayern Munich

Choupo-Moting's impressive performances, particularly in the Champions League, earned him a move to German giants Bayern Munich on a one-year contract on 5 October 2020. He quickly made his mark, scoring twice on his debut in the DFB-Pokal on 15 October in a 3-0 victory over fifth-division side 1. FC Düren. His first Champions League goal for Bayern arrived on 9 December in a 2-0 win against Lokomotiv Moscow. He netted his first Bundesliga goal on 25 February 2021, opening the scoring in a 5-1 thrashing of 1. FC Köln. In the Champions League quarter-finals in April 2021, he scored in both legs against his former club Paris Saint-Germain, including a crucial goal in the away leg at Parc des Princes, though Bayern were ultimately eliminated on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw. In May 2021, he celebrated his first Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, marking a significant achievement in his career.

The 2021-22 season saw further success. On 17 August 2021, he came on as a late substitute in the DFL-Supercup, helping Bayern secure the trophy with a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. A week later, on 25 August 2021, Choupo-Moting delivered an outstanding performance in the DFB-Pokal, scoring four goals in a dominant 12-0 victory over Bremer SV. This feat made him the first Bayern player to score four goals in a single DFB-Pokal match since Claudio Pizarro in 2005. Furthermore, he provided three assists in the same game, making him the first Bayern player to be directly involved in seven goals in the DFB-Pokal since records began in the 2008-09 season.

The 2022-23 season saw Choupo-Moting continue to contribute significantly. He scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season on 16 October 2022 in a 5-0 win against Freiburg. He followed this with goals in Bayern's final two group stage matches against Barcelona and Inter Milan, as the club secured top spot in their Champions League group for the second consecutive year. On 3 March 2023, he extended his stay at the club, signing a one-year contract extension until 30 June 2024.

In the 2023-24 season, Choupo-Moting continued to add to his Bundesliga goal tally, scoring his first of the season on 23 September 2023 in a 5-0 win over VfL Bochum. On 11 November 2023, he netted Bayern's fourth goal in a 4-2 victory against Heidenheim, a goal that meant he had successfully scored against every Bundesliga club competing in that season. It was officially announced on 12 May 2024 that he would depart Bayern Munich upon the expiry of his contract.

New Chapter: New York Red Bulls

On 18 December 2024, it was announced that Choupo-Moting had joined MLS side New York Red Bulls on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal. This move marked his first foray into Major League Soccer, bringing his extensive European experience to the American league. On 15 March 2025, he recorded his first goal for his new club, converting a penalty in a 2-2 draw with Orlando City SC. His goal-scoring form continued on 28 May 2025, when he netted two penalties in a 4-2 victory over Charlotte FC, further solidifying his impact in his new environment.

Key Career Statistics and Achievements

Throughout his career, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has demonstrated his versatility and goal-scoring ability across multiple leagues and competitions. Here's a look at some of his notable achievements and statistics:

Note: Appearance and goal statistics are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the source and specific competition inclusions.

International Career

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has also been a significant figure for the Cameroon national team. He has earned 73 caps for the Indomitable Lions, scoring 20 goals. His international career has seen him participate in three FIFA World Cups: 2010, 2014, and 2022. He notably scored a goal against Serbia in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, showcasing his enduring ability on the global stage.

How Old is Choupo-Moting?

As of the latest information, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was 35 years old when he signed with the New York Red Bulls on December 18, 2024. His contract with the club runs through 2026, with an option for an additional year, indicating his continued commitment to playing at a high level.

Where Can I Follow Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting?

For fans eager to keep track of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's performances and career updates, several platforms offer comprehensive coverage. You can follow his profile on Flashscore.com, which provides real-time match updates, statistics, and news. Additionally, Flashscore.com allows you to follow team pages of clubs he has represented, such as Manchester City (though he has not played for them, this is an example of team page availability), Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as competition pages for the Champions League, Premier League, and major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup Qatar. The platform covers over 5000 competitions across more than 30 sports worldwide, ensuring you won't miss a moment of his action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which clubs has Choupo-Moting played for?
Choupo-Moting has had a distinguished career playing for Hamburger SV, Mainz 05, Schalke 04, Stoke City, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and most recently, the New York Red Bulls.

Q2: What are Choupo-Moting's major achievements?
His major achievements include multiple Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, a DFB-Pokal, a FIFA Club World Cup, Ligue 1 titles with PSG, and reaching the Champions League final with PSG. He has also represented Cameroon in three World Cups.

Q3: When did Choupo-Moting join the New York Red Bulls?
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting joined the New York Red Bulls on 18 December 2024.

Q4: What is Choupo-Moting's role on the pitch?
Choupo-Moting is primarily a striker or forward, known for his ability to hold up the ball, link up play, and score goals.

Q5: Where can I find live scores and stats for Choupo-Moting's matches?
You can follow his live scores and detailed statistics on Flashscore.com, along with team and competition pages.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's career is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and enduring talent in the demanding world of professional football. His journey from Germany to France, then to England, and back to Germany before his current move to the United States highlights a career filled with significant experiences and memorable moments.