Max Balard is an Australian defensive midfielder who plays for NAC Breda. At 25, he remains part of Australia's wider 2026 picture because he brings ball-winning, passing security, and positional discipline at both club and international level.
Max Balard was born on 20 November 2000 in Sydney, Australia. He plays in Dutch Eredivisie and has 5 senior caps for Australia.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Max Balard was born in Sydney, Australia, where his football development began before he moved into more structured academy football.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
Balard stayed in Australia until the age of three when he moved to Malaysia, and then Sri Lanka by the age of six amidst the Sri Lankan Civil War.
The same day Balard left Central Coast Mariners, it was announced that he joined Dutch club NAC Breda on a three-year contract.
Current club and recent form
He has been with NAC Breda since 2024, and recent market tracking places him at around €1.20 million.
Max Balard - Stats and Performance
Max Balard's current club-season line with NAC Breda is 26 appearances, 0 goals, and 1 assists in Eredivisie. For a midfielder, that mix gives a better picture of workload and end product heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | NAC Breda | 26 | 0 | 1 |
Those totals point to a player carrying real week-to-week responsibility for NAC Breda. The balance between appearances, goals, and assists gives a much clearer view of current level than reputation alone.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 5 caps and 1 goals for Australia in currently tracked records.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 5 | 1 | Australia senior squad involvement |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Max Balard plays as a defensive midfielder and is valued for ball-winning, passing security, and positional discipline.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Max Balard |
| Date of birth | 20 November 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | Australia |
| Height | 178 cm |
| Position | Defensive Midfield |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | NAC Breda |
| Jersey number | 16 |
| Weekly salary | €9,750 gross (approx.) |
| Estimated net worth | €1.32 million (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show NAC Breda as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2024.
Salary and Net Worth
Approximate salary estimates place Max Balard at about €9,750 gross (approx.) per week at NAC Breda. That works out to roughly €507,000 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around €1.32 million.
FAQs
How old is Max Balard and what is his nationality?
Max Balard is 25 years old and he represents Australia.
Which club does Max Balard play for now?
He currently plays for NAC Breda.
What position does Max Balard play?
He plays as a defensive midfielder.
Is Max Balard part of Australia's national-team picture?
Yes. With 5 caps currently listed, he remains part of Australia's wider selection picture.
What is Max Balard salary and market value?
Salary: €9,750 gross (approx.). Market value: €1.20 million.