The 25-year-old becomes the first America to ever play for the French club
Mark McKenzie has joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse on a transfer from Genk, the clubs announced on Friday.
McKenzie, 25, spent four seasons in Belgium with Genk, making 128 appearances.
The U.S. men’s national team defender told his new club’s website that he was ready to make the next step in his career.
“I am 25 years old, I have been playing in Belgium for several seasons now and I simply wanted to move up a level in my career,” the defender said.
“I think it was the right time. Above all, I wanted to make the right choice by joining a team with a real playing identity, a project that fits with my ambitions and a way of playing that matches my profile.”
L’international américain Marc McKenzie est toulousain ✍️ Le défenseur central – qui arrive en provenance du KRC Genk en Belgique – est la 3ème recrue de notre Mercato !
The defender had been recently linked with a move to Germany, but will instead continue his career in the French top flight.
McKenzie will become the first American to ever play for Toulouse, which has finished mid-table in Ligue 1 the past two seasons.
“It’s always special to be the first to do something, no matter what it is,” he said. “It’s an honor to represent the United States so far. It adds a little pressure, yes, but I have to raise my own standards, lead the way and maybe inspire some in America.”
McKenzie has earned 13 caps for the USMNT. He was on the team’s roster for this summer’s Copa América but did not make an appearance at the tournament.
This is one way to undermine your message of support
This past weekend in Ligue 1 was supposed to be a demonstration of unity against homophobia, but any goodwill toward the LGBTQ+ community was vaporized by a sudden onset of anti-anti-homophobia.
Ahead of Wednesday’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 teams donned rainbow numbers during matches, with coaches wearing rainbow armbands among other initiatives.
But there was pushback against the campaign from Toulouse FC, which saw several players excluded from Sunday’s game against Nantes over a refusal to wear the rainbow numbers.
“Some players of the professional squad have expressed their disagreement regarding the association of their image with the rainbow colors representing the LGBT movement,” Toulouse said in a statement Sunday.
“Although respecting the individual choices of its players, and after numerous exchanges, the Toulouse Football Club has chosen to exclude these players from the game,” the club added.
Toulouse FC did not name who was excluded, but Moroccan international Zakaria Aboukhlal confirmed he was one of the players who refused to take part in the match.
“First and foremost, I want to emphasize that I hold the highest regard for every individual regardless of their personal preferences, gender, religion or background. This is a principle that cannot be emphasized enough,” Aboukhlal said on Twitter.
“Respect is a value that I hold in great esteem. It extends to others, but it also encompasses respect for my own personal beliefs. Hence, I don’t believe I am the most suitable person to participate in this campaign.”
Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also said he refused to play in the match, with the club subsequently issuing the player a fine.
“I don’t want to argue at all but I have to state my position,” the Egypt international tweeted.
“I respect all differences. I respect all beliefs and convictions. This respect extends to others but also includes respect for my personal beliefs.
“Given my roots, my culture, the importance of my convictions and beliefs, it was not possible for me to participate in this campaign. I hope that my decision will be respected, as well as my wish not to argue about this and that everyone is treated with respect.”
Ligue 1 relegation race impacted
Toulouse and Nantes would draw Sunday’s match 1-1, which saw Nantes climb to within one point of safety with just three games remaining.
Eric Roy, whose Stade Brestois side is right in the thick of the relegation battle, expressed his dismay with the timing of the anti-homophobia campaign.
“The programming of this day against homophobia is catastrophic,” the head coach said after his side beat Auxerre on Sunday.
Brest’s French head coach Eric Roy looks on while wearing a rainbow colored LGBTQ+ armband during the French L1 football match between Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) and AJ Auxerre at Stade Francis-Le Ble in Brest, western France on May 14, 2023. (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER / AFP)
“You can see that there are players who have a problem with it. Everyone is free to express their opinions. Personally, I have no problem with it. But there are players who may have a problem with it.
“Then you should not schedule this campaign at that time when you know some players are fighting to avoid relegation. You could do it in December, September.”
We can, however, confirm that wins, draws and losses are worth the same amount of points in December and September as they are in May.
