View source for Max Gradel

{{short description|Ivorian footballer (born 1987)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Max Gradel
| image = Max Gradel 9292.JPG
| caption = Gradel with [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] in 2012
| fullname = Max-Alain Gradel<ref name="List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/10/2009 and 31/10/2009">{{cite web | title = List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/10/2009 and 31/10/2009 | url = http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesandRegulations/~/media/Files/PDF/TheFA/PlayerRegistrations/October%202009.ashx/October%202009.pdf
| publisher=The Football Association | access-date = 23 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=List of Players |url=http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Comp/CAN2013/The%20list%20of%2016finals_not_confirmed.pdf |publisher=Confederation of African Football (CAF) |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123222221/http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Comp/CAN2013/The%20list%20of%2016finals_not_confirmed.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2013 }}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|11|30|df=y}}<ref name="Premier League">{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/12815/Max-Alain-Gradel/overview |title=Max Gradel: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=8 September 2022}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Abidjan]], Ivory Coast
| height = 1.75 m<ref name="Premier League"/>
| position = [[Winger (association football)|Winger]]
| currentclub = 
| clubnumber = 
| youthyears1 = 2000–2004
| youthclubs1 = Championnet Sport
| youthyears2 = 2004–2005
| youthclubs2 = Lewisham College
| youthyears3 = 2005–2006
| youthclubs3 = [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
| years1 = 2006–2010
| clubs1 = [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
| caps1 = 27
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2007–2008
| clubs2 = → [[AFC Bournemouth]] (loan)
| caps2 = 34
| goals2 = 9
| years3 = 2009–2010
| clubs3 = → [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] (loan)
| caps3 = 14
| goals3 = 3
| years4 = 2010–2011
| clubs4 = [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
| caps4 = 63
| goals4 = 22
| years5 = 2011–2015
| clubs5 = [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]]
| caps5 = 101
| goals5 = 31
| years6 = 2015–2018
| clubs6 = [[AFC Bournemouth]]
| caps6 = 25
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2017–2018
| clubs7 = → [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]] (loan)
| caps7 = 29
| goals7 = 8
| years8 = 2018–2020
| clubs8 = [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]]
| caps8 = 57
| goals8 = 14
| years9 = 2020–2023
| clubs9 = [[Sivasspor]]
| caps9 = 100
| goals9 = 21
| years10 = 2023–2024
| clubs10 = [[Gaziantep F.K.|Gaziantep]]
| caps10 = 29
| goals10 = 1
| years11 = 2024
| clubs11 = [[Sakaryaspor]]
| caps11 = 2
| goals11 = 1
| years12 = 2024–2025
| clubs12 = [[Amed S.F.K.|Amedspor]]
| caps12 = 16
| goals12 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2021
| nationalteam2 = [[Ivory Coast national under-23 football team|Ivory Coast Olympic]]
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{fb|CIV}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Africa Cup of Nations]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2015 Africa Cup of Nations|2015 Equatorial Guinea]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[2023 Africa Cup of Nations|2023 Ivory Coast]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|2012 Equatorial Guinea–Gabon]]|}}
| nationalcaps2 = 2
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears1 = 2011–2024
| nationalteam1 = [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]]
| nationalcaps1 = 113
| nationalgoals1 = 18
| club-update = 16:23, 3 February 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 23:50, 24 March 2024 (UTC)
}}
'''Max-Alain Gradel''' (born 30 November 1987) is an Ivorian professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[winger (association football)|winger]].

Gradel received his first call-up to the Ivory Coast national team in November 2010.<ref name="leedsunited.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101111/max-called-up-for-polish-trip_2247585_2216454 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Max Called Up For Polish Trip |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> He made his debut for the national side on 5 June 2011.<ref name="wettpoint">{{cite web|url=http://fussball.wettpoint.com/en/games/822687.html |title=Benin – Ivory Coast Game Result, Statistics on 05/06/2011 – Soccer Database Wettpoint |publisher=Fussball.wettpoint.com |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> On 30 April 2011, Gradel won both the Fans Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards at Leeds.<ref name="leedsunited"/> In June 2018, he joined French club [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44606392|title=Max Gradel: Bournemouth winger joins French club Toulouse|date=25 June 2018|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 June 2018}}</ref>

==Club career==
After moving to the UK from Paris, France, in 2004, Gradel attended [[Lewisham College]] Football Academy under the tutelage of then Head Coach Aaron Jacob, who was one of his early mentors. He attended the Bon Giourno Cup in the Netherlands, and the team went on to win the trophy, conceding no goals, with Gradel scoring 11 of 17.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/597368.Double_delight_for_college_as_they_go_Dutch/ |title=Double delight for college as they go Dutch |publisher=Epsom Guardian |date=17 May 2005 |access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> He was due to attend the [[Dallas Cup]] with the team but was offered a Pro contract and made the decision not to go. "Everything started at Lewisham College," says Gradel. "We were all good players in the Football Academy; I think I made it a bit by chance.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}

Gradel began playing football in the Ivory Coast when he was two years old. After leaving Lewisham College, Gradel was offered trials with [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] and [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] and spent four months with Arsenal before signing with Leicester.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} From there he moved to Leeds United where he played regularly for the Championship side.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}

Gradel was given a [[squad number]] for the 2007–08 [[season (sport)|season]]. On 5 May 2007, he signed his first professional contract with Leicester along with seven other players, including [[Eric Odhiambo]], [[Andy King (Welsh footballer)|Andy King]] and [[Carl Pentney]].<ref name="Young Stars Make The Grade">{{cite web|title=Young Stars Make The Grade |url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1021228,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=5 May 2007 |access-date=4 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218091507/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1021228%2C00.html |archive-date=18 February 2012 }}</ref>

===Loan at AFC Bournemouth===
On 6 August 2007, Leicester City manager [[Martin Allen]] made Gradel and [[Conrad Logan]] available for [[loan (association football)|loan]] for the forthcoming season.<ref name="Duo Available">{{cite news| title=Duo Available| url=http://www.lcfc.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1085809,00.html| publisher=Leicester City F.C.| date=6 August 2007| access-date=6 August 2007}}</ref> Three days later, Gradel joined [[AFC Bournemouth]] on an initial one-month loan,<ref name="Gradel On The Move">{{cite news|title=Gradel On The Move |url=http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1088370,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070616180251/http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1088370,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 June 2007 |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=9 August 2007 |access-date=9 August 2007 }}</ref> which was extended for the season on transfer deadline day (31 August).<ref name="Gradel Loan Extended">{{cite news|title=Gradel Loan Extended |url=http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1103641,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=31 August 2007 |access-date=31 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107061928/http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1103641%2C00.html |archive-date=7 January 2008 }}</ref> However, he was unable to play as many games with the Cherries as he had hoped due to the death of his mother in early October. As a result, he was told by Bournemouth manager [[Kevin Bond (English footballer)|Kevin Bond]] that he could take all the time he needed to return to England.<ref name="Club 100% Behind Max">{{cite news|title=Club 100% Behind Max |url=http://www.afcb.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10324~1130376,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090414021043/http://www.afcb.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10324~1130376,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 April 2009 |publisher=AFC Bournemouth |date=8 October 2007 |access-date=8 October 2007 }}</ref>

He returned to Leicester early on 3 January 2008, although Bond stated he wanted to take him back to Bournemouth on loan again,<ref name="Cherries Rue Loan Departures">{{cite news| title=Cherries Rue Loan Departures| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_3019302,00.html| publisher=Sky Sports | date=3 January 2008| access-date=3 January 2008}}</ref> a move which was completed for the rest of the season on 11 January.<ref name="Bournemouth re-sign Foxes' Gradel">{{cite news| title=Bournemouth re-sign Foxes' Gradel| url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/7183837.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date=11 January 2008| access-date=11 January 2008}}</ref> Gradel's form at Bournemouth earned him a new three-year deal at Leicester, which he signed on 6 February.<ref name="Gradel Pens New Foxes Deal">{{cite news|title=Gradel Pens New Foxes Deal |url=http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1233603,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=6 February 2008 |access-date=6 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207093939/http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1233603%2C00.html |archive-date=7 February 2008 }}</ref>

===Return to Leicester and promotion===
[[File:Max Gradel.jpg|thumb|right|Gradel with Leicester in 2008]]
He made his league debut for Leicester against [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]] on 9 August 2008, setting up a goal as Leicester won 2–0 at the [[Walkers Stadium]].<ref name="Leicester 2-0 MK Dons">{{cite news| title = Leicester 2–0 MK Dons| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7541043.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 9 August 2008| access-date = 9 August 2008}}</ref> On 14 August, Gradel signed a new contract that would last until June 2012.<ref name="Gradel Extends City Stay">{{Cite news|title=Gradel Extends City Stay |url=http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1365414,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=14 August 2008 |access-date=14 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904104354/http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1365414%2C00.html |archive-date=4 September 2008 }}</ref> He scored his first senior goal in a 2–1 [[FA Cup]] defeat to [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] on 14 January 2009,<ref name="Crystal Palace 2-1 Leicester">{{cite news| title=Crystal Palace 2–1 Leicester| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7815358.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date=14 January 2009| access-date=1 March 2009}}</ref> and his first league goal in a 2–2 draw against MK Dons on 28 February, scoring an equalising free-kick at injury time.<ref name="MK Dons 2-2 Leicester">{{cite news| title=MK Dons 2–2 Leicester| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7905733.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date=28 February 2009| access-date=1 March 2009}}</ref> His free kick away at MK Dons won the Goal of the Season award at the Leicester City Supporters Club Awards on 23 April.<ref name="Trio honoured at awards">{{cite news|title=Trio honoured at awards |url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1634825,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=23 April 2009 |access-date=26 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218092142/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1634825%2C00.html |archive-date=18 February 2012 }}</ref> Gradel made 32 appearances in all competitions as Leicester secured their [[promotion and relegation|promotion]] as league champions.<ref name="Leicester 2008/2009 player appearances">{{cite web | title = Leicester 2008/2009 player appearances | url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?seasonid=138&teamid=1527 | publisher=Soccerbase | access-date = 23 March 2010}}</ref> In the following season however, Gradel made just one substitute appearance in the League Cup.<ref name="Leeds United sign Max Gradel from Leicester City"/>

===Leeds United===
{{BLP sources|date=October 2010|article's section called "Leeds United"}}

====2009–10 season====
On 19 October 2009, Gradel joined [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] on loan for a month.<ref name="Gradel joins Leeds on loan deal">{{cite news| title = Gradel joins Leeds on loan deal| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/8315905.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 20 October 2009| access-date = 20 October 2009}}</ref> He made his debut as a substitute in a 2–1 win over [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] that same evening.<ref name="Leeds United 2 - 1 Norwich">{{cite news| title = Leeds United 2–1 Norwich| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/8306388.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 19 October 2009| access-date = 20 October 2009}}</ref> Gradel scored his first goal for Leeds on 31 October against [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] within minutes after coming on as a substitute, which prompted chants from the crowd of "Grayson sign him up".<ref name="Loan ace Max Gradel is a star with a flurry">{{cite news| title = Loan ace Max Gradel is a star with a flurry| url = http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Leeds-United-Loan-ace-Max.5788647.jp|work=Yorkshire Evening Post| date = 3 November 2009| access-date = 20 October 2009}}</ref>

Leeds manager [[Simon Grayson]] said he wanted to extend Gradel's loan move beyond the initial month.<ref name="Leeds look to extend Gradel loan">{{cite news| title = Leeds look to extend Gradel loan| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8354976.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 11 November 2009| access-date = 23 March 2010}}</ref> Gradel himself stated he would like to extend the loan deal at Leeds and even hinted he would be happy to move to Leeds on a permanent deal.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} Leicester refused Leeds permission to play Gradel in their [[FA Cup]] game against [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]].<ref name="Gradel and Vokes miss FA Cup tie">{{cite news| title = Gradel and Vokes miss FA Cup tie| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8338157.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 2 November 2009| access-date = 8 August 2010}}</ref> Gradel started his first game for Leeds in the 3–1 win against [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]], contributing to Leeds' first goal as his cross was diverted by [[Olly Lancashire]] into his own net.<ref name="Leeds United 3 - 1 Grimsby">{{cite news| title = Leeds United 3–1 Grimsby| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8330372.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 10 November 2009| access-date = 8 August 2010}}</ref> The game would have been the last of Gradel's initial one-month loan. The loan was extended to 2 January 2010 on 13 November.<ref name="GRADEL LOAN DEAL EXTENDED">{{cite news| title = Gradel loan deal extended| url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20091113/gradel-loan-deal-extended_2247585_1874796| publisher=Leeds United F.C.| date = 13 November 2009| access-date = 8 August 2010}}</ref>

Gradel scored the winning goal for Leeds in the 89th minute against [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]] after coming off the bench for Leeds.<ref name="Leeds take Max-imum points at home to Leyton">{{cite news| title = Leeds take Max-imum points at home to Leyton| url = http://www.thescratchingshed.com/2009/11/leeds-take-max-imum-points-at-home-t-leyton-orient/| publisher=The Scratching Shed| date = 24 November 2010| access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref> He made his first start in the league for Leeds against Oldham.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} He provided two assists in the same game for [[Neil Kilkenny]]'s and [[Luciano Becchio]]'s goals.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} Gradel scored three minutes after coming on for Leeds as a substitute in the West Yorkshire derby against [[Huddersfield Town F.C.|Huddersfield Town]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} He made his second league start for Leeds in the game against Brentford, due to the suspension of [[Robert Snodgrass]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}

Gradel replaced [[Jermaine Beckford]] as a substitute against Southampton, and he made an immediate impact in the same game; minutes after coming on, Snodgrass curled a shot into the top right corner to seal Leeds' win.<ref name="Leeds United 1 - 0 Southampton">{{cite news| title = Leeds United 1–0 Southampton| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8399410.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 19 December 2009| access-date = 8 August 2010}}</ref> Gradel handed in a transfer request on his return to Leicester,<ref name="Gradel Hands In Transfer Request">{{cite news|title = Gradel Hands In Transfer Request|url = http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1940696,00.html|publisher = LCFC.co.uk|date = 22 January 2010|access-date = 2 March 2011|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100125133441/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1940696%2C00.html|archive-date = 25 January 2010|df = dmy-all}}</ref> and he was signed by Leeds United on a two-and-a-half-year contract on 25 January for an undisclosed [[fee]].<ref name="Leeds United sign Max Gradel from Leicester City">{{cite news| title = Leeds United sign Max Gradel from Leicester City| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8474587.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 25 January 2010| access-date = 23 March 2010}}</ref> His first appearance as an under contract Leeds player came as a second-half substitute in the 3–0 defeat to [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}

After being unavailable for Leeds' FA Cup loss against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], Gradel came back into the Leeds squad and the starting lineup against [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool United]] in Leeds' 2–2 draw.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} He retained his place in the starting XI for the next game against [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]] in the Trophy second leg game, which Leeds won 3–2 but were knocked out 6–5 on a [[penalty shootout (association football)|penalty shootout]], with Gradel converting his penalty for Leeds.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8504175.stm |work=BBC News | title=Carlisle 2–3 Leeds Utd (4–4 agg) | date=9 February 2010}}</ref> After Jermaine Beckford returned from injury Gradel dropped back to Leeds' bench.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}

Gradel received the man of the match award against Yeovil Town in Leeds' 2–1 win.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} In the following game Gradel kept his place up front and scored for Leeds against [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] in a 2–0 win.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} Then, he followed it up in the next match scoring in a 3–1 away win against Carlisle United, with Gradel opening up the scoring and Luciano Becchio scoring a brace.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} Gradel's sixth goal for Leeds came in Leeds' 4–1 win against MK Dons.<ref name="Leeds United 4 - 1 MK Dons">{{cite news| title = Leeds United 4–1 MK Dons| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8620703.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 24 April 2010| access-date = 7 August 2010}}</ref> Gradel was sent off for violent conduct in Leeds United's final match of the 2009–10 season against [[Bristol Rovers F.C.|Bristol Rovers]] when after a moment of madness he got himself sent off then refused to leave the pitch in the first half of the match, but Leeds won the game 2–1 and were promoted to The Championship.<ref name="Leeds 2-1 Bristol Rovers">{{cite news| title = Leeds 2–1 Bristol Rovers|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8632672.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 8 May 2010| access-date = 7 August 2010| first=Paul| last=Fletcher}}</ref>

====2010–11 season====
Gradel played his first game back at Elland Road since his red card against Bristol Rovers, with him putting in an impressive performance when Leeds completed their pre-season campaign on 31 July with a 3–1 win over [[Premier League]] side [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] at [[Elland Road]].<ref name="yorkshireeveningpost1">{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/match_report_leeds_united_v_wolverhampton_wanderers_1_2249919 |title=Match report: Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Sport |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=18 October 2011|date=31 July 2010}}</ref> Gradel scored a goal in the game by scoring a long-range effort.<ref name="yorkshireeveningpost1"/> Due to Gradel's red card the previous season and his refusal to leave the pitch, he missed the first four games of the season through suspension.<ref name="Banned Max Gradel still part of Leeds United's plans">{{cite news| title = Banned Max Gradel still part of Leeds United's plans| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8789064.stm|publisher=BBC Sport | date = 5 July 2010| access-date = 7 August 2010}}</ref>

Gradel returned from his four match suspension in the second round of the League Cup when he made his first start of the season against his former club Leicester.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} He managed to gain an assist in the game, providing a cross for [[Davide Somma]]'s goal.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} His first league appearance came in the following game, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 1–0 win away to [[Watford F.C.|Watford]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} Gradel made his first league start of the season, when [[Lloyd Sam]] was dropped for the game against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] on 11 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20100911/swansea-live_2247585_2150564 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United March To Swansea Victory |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his first goal of the Championship season against [[Scunthorpe United F.C.|Scunthorpe United]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101030/scunthorpe-live_2247585_2200860 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Howson Hat-Trick Seals Away Success |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his second goal of the season against [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] after scoring a penalty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101106/coventry-live_2247585_2209355 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Victorious At Coventry |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel's third goal of the season came against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101120/norwich-live_2247585_2226048 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Honours End Even At Norwich |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his fourth goal of the season against Burnley which started Leeds's comeback to win 3–2 after being 2–0 down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101211/burnley-live_2247585_2241612 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Complete Stunning Comeback At Burnley |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> On 18 December, Gradel scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season when he scored both goals in Leeds' 2–0 win over league leaders [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101218/united-topple-league-leaders_2247585_2247009 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Topple League Leaders |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his seventh goal of the season against his former club Leicester City with a header<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101226/leicester-live_2247585_2250758 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Boxing Day Draw For United |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref>

Gradel's form for Leeds saw him attract interest from Premiership clubs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clubcall.com/wigan-athletic/wigan-after-new-striker-1139544.html |title=Wigan Athletic: Wigan after new striker |publisher=ClubCall.com |date=27 December 2010 |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929074749/http://www.clubcall.com/wigan-athletic/wigan-after-new-striker-1139544.html |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Gradel scored his eighth goal of the season against Portsmouth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101228/portsmouth-live_2247585_2252594 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Hit By Late Leveller |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> [[Newcastle United]] showed an interest in Gradel but manager Simon Grayson confirmed that he wasn't looking to sell the in-form player.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/9329063.stm |work=BBC News | title=Grayson denies Gradel exit talks | date=30 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6634977,00.html | work=Sky Sports | title=Magpies plotting Gradel swoop | date=4 January 2011}}</ref> After an impressive December, Gradel was named as one of the nominees for The Championship player of the month.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=227450 |title=Leeds – LUFC Gradel up for monthly award |publisher=Leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002082030/http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=227450 |archive-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 8 January, Gradel won a penalty against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] which was scored by [[Robert Snodgrass]] as Leeds earned an impressive 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110108/late-leveller-denies-united-arsenal-scalp_2247585_2260931 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Late Leveller Denies United Arsenal Scalp |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Then on 15 January, Gradel scored his ninth goal of the season against [[Scunthorpe United]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110115/scunthorpe-live_2247585_2267420 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Iron Flattened At Elland Road |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his 10th goal of the season against [[Bristol City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110212/bristol-city-live_2247585_2290570 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Victorious At Ashton Gate |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> On 22 February, he scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season in the home fixture against Barnsley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110222/barnsley-live_2247585_2299501 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Held In Six-Goal Derby Clash |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel's 13th and 14th goals of the season came in the same game in the 5–2 win against [[Doncaster Rovers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110305/high-five-for-united-against-donny_2247585_2308507 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; High Five For United Against Donny |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel's impressive form for Leeds during the 2010–11 season earned special praise by manager [[Simon Grayson]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11688_6797125,00.html | work=Sky Sports | title=Grayson praises Gradel show | date=5 March 2011}}</ref> On 2 April, Gradel scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season against [[Nottingham Forest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110402/united-put-four-past-forest_2247585_2329276 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Put Four Past Forest |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his 17th goal of the season against [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] in Leeds' 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110413/grayson-blasts-naive-showing_2247585_2337573 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Grayson Blasts Naive Showing |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> On 30 April, Gradel won Leeds' 2010–11 Player Of The Year Award and also the Players Player Of The Year Award at Leeds annual Player award ceremony.<ref name="leedsunited">{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110502/max-scoops-up-the-gongs_2247585_2351136 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Max Scoops Up The Gongs |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> After winning the award Gradel announced that he wanted to stay at Leeds to help them reach the Premier League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110503/max-says-an-emotional-thanks_2247585_2351709 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Max Says An Emotional Thanks |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel also revealed he would like to extend his contract at Leeds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gradel eyes new deal|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/6911080/gradel-eyes-new-deal|access-date=18 August 2017|work=Sky Sports|date=3 May 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored his 18th goal of the season in the final match in Leeds' 2–1 win against Queens Park Rangers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110507/united-upset-the-champions_2247585_2354038 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; United Upset The Champions |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> In the summer of 2011 Gradel was believed to have been interesting German club [[Hamburger SV]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wobschall |first=Leon |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_snodgrass_not_going_anywhere_1_3446350 |title=Leeds United: Snodgrass not going anywhere – Latest Whites News |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=4 June 2011 |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref>

====2011–12 season====
With several clubs interested in Gradel and much speculation on his future, he confirmed on 24 July that he was looking to stay with Leeds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gradel plans Whites stay|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/7059144/gradel-plans-whites-stay|access-date=18 August 2017|work=Sky Sports|date=24 July 2011}}</ref> On 2 August, Gradel confirmed he wanted to stay at Leeds, but the club had yet to offer him a new contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/West-Ham-Fulham-Swansea-Newcastle-target-Max-Gradel-insists-Leeds-have-not-yet-offered-new-contract-article780208.html |title=West Ham Fulham Swansea Newcastle target Max Gradel insists Leeds have not yet offered new contract – Transfer News |publisher=MirrorFootball.co.uk |date=2 August 2011 |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pearson|first1=James|title=Gradel - No Whites deal|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/7078300/gradel-no-whites-deal|access-date=18 August 2017|work=Sky Sports|date=3 August 2011}}</ref> It was revealed on 4 August, Gradel would miss the League Cup match against [[Bradford City F.C.|Bradford City]] as he had been called up to the [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivorian]] squad.<ref name="leedsunited1">{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110803/max-back-in-international-frame_2247585_2409300 |title=Max Back In International Frame |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel scored a late penalty in the first game of the 2011–12 season against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]], however it proved to be only a consolation goal as Leeds lost 3–1.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/14351913.stm|title=BBC Sport - Southampton 3-1 Leeds|date=6 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110806/united-crash-at-southampton_2247585_2411474 |title=United Crash At Southampton |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> Gradel was sent off early on for two bookable offences in a defeat against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]; teammate [[Jonny Howson]] was also sent off for Leeds in the same match.<ref>{{cite news  | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/14429778.stm | title = Leeds 0–1 Middlesbrough  |publisher=BBC  | date =  13 August 2011 | access-date = 13 August 2011}}</ref> Gradel came back into the starting lineup after serving his one match suspension against West Ham on 21 August, Gradel missed a penalty for Leeds in the same game.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/14520293.stm | title = West Ham Vs Leeds |publisher=BBC | date = 21 August 2011 | access-date = 21 August 2011}}</ref> Gradel's final game for Leeds came in the 2–1 loss against [[Ipswich Town]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110827/10-man-united-sunk-at-the-last_2247585_2433683 |title=10 MAN UNITED SUNK AT THE LAST |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref>

===Saint-Étienne===
On 30 August 2011, Gradel joined French club [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]] for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3 million. He signed a four-year contract with the club.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Gradel seals St Etienne switch|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_7140348,00.html |first=James |last=Pearson |access-date=25 August 2012|publisher=Sky Sports|date=31 August 2010}}</ref> He was handed the number 9 shirt upon his arrival at the club.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} In the 2014–15 season, Gradel was Saint Etienne's top scorer in Ligue 1 with 17 goals, also providing three assists.

===Return to AFC Bournemouth===
On 4 August 2015, after four years in France, Gradel returned to England to join former side and [[Premier League]] newcomers Bournemouth on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £7 million.<ref>{{Cite news |title=AFC Bournemouth sign Max Gradel from St Etienne |url=http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/afc-bournemouth-sign-max-gradel-from-st-etienne-2589859.aspx |publisher=AFC Bournemouth |date=4 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804150213/http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/afc-bournemouth-sign-max-gradel-from-st-etienne-2589859.aspx |archive-date=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gradel joins Bournemouth from Saint-Etienne|url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague=england-premier-league-2000000000/news/newsid/266/931/9/index.html|publisher=[[FIFA]]|access-date=17 August 2015|date=4 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915070503/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague%3Dengland-premier-league-2000000000/news/newsid/266/931/9/index.html|archive-date=15 September 2015}}</ref> As part of the deal Gradel's old club Leeds United received a percentage of the transfer fee due to a 10% sell on clause.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Leeds United: Whites cash in on Gradel's Bournemouth switch |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-whites-cash-in-on-gradel-s-bournemouth-switch-1-7392410 |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=4 August 2015}}</ref>

On 29 August, Gradel tore a cruciate ligament in his knee during the match against [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]], with the injury ruling him out for six months.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Max Gradel: Bournemouth winger faces lengthy knee injury lay-off |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34121906 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2015}}</ref> On 27 February 2016, Gradel made his return to the team, coming on as a substitute in the 21st minute for [[Junior Stanislas]] in a 0–0 draw against Watford.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Watford 0–0 Bournemouth |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35619708 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 February 2016}}</ref> Gradel scored his first goal after his return to the club in a 3–2 win over [[Swansea City]] on 12 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35733493|title=Bournemouth 3-2 Swansea|date=12 March 2016|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=20 March 2016}}</ref>

===Toulouse===
After a return of just a single goal in 25 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, Gradel was loaned to [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]] for the [[2017–18 Toulouse FC season|2017–18 season]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10991736/bournemouth-winger-max-gradel-moves-to-toulouse-on-season-long-loan | title=Bournemouth winger Max Gradel moves to Toulouse on season-long loan | website=[[Sky Sports|skysports.com]] | date=28 January 2017 | accessdate=12 February 2017}}</ref> Following his impressive stint on loan, the Ivory Coast winger was handed a permanent contract with Toulouse on 1 July 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gradel leaves Bournemouth for Toulouse |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44606392 |access-date=25 June 2018 |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=25 June 2018}}</ref> He returned 28 goals in 68 matches across all competitions for the French side.<ref name=Sivassspor /> Gradel contributed three goals and two assists in Ligue 1 during the [[2019–20 Ligue 1|2019–20 season]], but his efforts were not enough to save Toulouse from being relegated to the second division.<ref name=Sivassspor />

===Sivasspor===
On 16 August 2020, Gradel joined Turkish [[Süper Lig]] club [[Sivasspor]] on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with former club [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]].<ref name=Sivassspor>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/gradel-ex-toulouse-winger-moves-to-turkey-to-join-sivasspor/1nr7gxh47wbzx1geh112uukalz|title=Gradel: Ex-Toulouse winger moves to Turkey to join Sivasspor|website=Goal|date=16 August 2020|accessdate=11 January 2024}}</ref> In his first [[2020–21 Süper Lig|season]] with the club, he was named in the Süper Lig team of the season and as the league's best winger.<ref>{{Citation |title=Süper Lig 2020/2021 Sezonu Altın 11'i |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_0pLWxcGCI |access-date=2023-09-24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fotomaç Süper Lig'in En İyileri Ödülleri sahiplerini buldu! İşte kazananlar |url=https://www.fotomac.com.tr/futbol/2021/10/27/fotomac-super-ligin-en-iyileri-odulleri-sahiplerini-buldu-iste-kazananlar |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=Fotomaç}}</ref> On 26 May 2022, Gradel scored a goal in the [[2022 Turkish Cup final|final]] of the Turkish Cup against [[Kayserispor]]. Sivasspor won 3–2 after extra time for their first cup title.<ref name=TCFL>{{cite news |title= 60. Ziraat Türkiye Kupası Demir Grup Sivasspor'un |url= https://tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=267&ftxtID=37763 |website=[[Turkish Football Federation]] |date= 26 May 2022 |access-date= 26 May 2022 |language= tr}}</ref>

===Gaziantep===
On 25 July 2023, Gradel signed for [[Gaziantep F.K.|Gaziantep]] after his contract with Sivasspor expired.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaziantepfk.org/haberler/transfer-max-gradel-gazi-antep-te|title=TRANSFER &#124; MAX GRADEL GAZİANTEP'TE! — Gaziantep FK|website=www.gaziantepfk.org}}</ref>

==International career==
[[File:Max Gradel 2015.jpg|thumb|right|Gradel with Ivory Coast national team in 2015]]
Gradel revealed that by moving to Leeds, he was hoping to increase his international prospects to play for the [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast national team]] and maybe earn a place in their [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leedsunited/Leeds-United-Gradel-eyes-Ivory.6027779.jp |title=Leeds United: Gradel eyes Ivory Coast call up – Latest Whites News |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=18 October 2011|date=29 January 2010}}</ref> He was called up to the Ivory Coast squad for the first time on 11 November 2010 for the fixture against [[Poland national football team|Poland]].<ref name="leedsunited.com"/> On 21 March 2011, Gradel received his second call-up to the squad, this time to face [[Benin national football team|Benin]] in an [[Africa Cup of Nations]] qualifier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110321/two-more-set-for-international-duty_2247585_2320791 |title=News &#124; News &#124; News &#124; Two More Set For International Duty |publisher=Leeds United |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> In June 2011, he was called up to the squad to face Benin on 5 June 2011.<ref name="yorkshire">{{cite web|last=Wobschall |first=Leon |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_gradel_s_hoping_for_ivory_coast_debut_1_3443885 |title=Leeds United: Gradel's hoping for Ivory Coast debut – Latest Whites News |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=6 June 2011 |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> This match ended in a 6–2 win to Ivory Coast, in which Gradel came on in the 54th min to make his debut.<ref name="wettpoint"/>

On 4 August, it was revealed Gradel had been called up to the Ivory Coast squad to face [[Israel national football team|Israel]]. He made his first start for Ivory Coast in the 4–3 win against Israel on 10 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mail.com/int/sports/soccer/617424-ivory-coast-beats-israel-4-3-friendly.html |title=Ivory Coast beats Israel 4–3 in friendly – Football news |publisher=Mail.com |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref>

Gradel was a part of the Ivory Coast squad that finished runner-up to [[Zambia national football team|Zambia]] at the [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations]] and was also a member of ''les Éléphants''' [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] squad, where he made one appearance in the 2–1 loss to [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=353119/played-matches.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619025156/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=353119/played-matches.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 June 2014|title=15 Max GRADEL|access-date=26 January 2015|work=FIFA}}</ref>

At the [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations]], Gradel scored an 86th-minute equaliser in a group match against [[Mali national football team|Mali]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30860887|title=Ivory Coast 1–1 Mali|access-date=26 January 2015|work=BBC}}</ref> Ivory Coast would go on to win the tournament and Gradel was named in the team of the tournament.<ref name=Sivassspor /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=N5LLNBRtUVsPZJSOkHVjrw%3D%3D|title=Orange AFCON 2015 Awards and Best XI|publisher=CAF|date=12 February 2015}}</ref>

On 28 March 2023, he played his 100th international match in a 2–0 away win over [[Comoros national football team|Comoros]], during the [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification|Africa Cup of Nations qualification]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://allbuzzafrica.com/didier-drogba-felicite-max-gradel-100eme-match-selection/ |title=Didier Drogba félicite Max Gradel pour son 100ème match en selection |publisher=Allbuzzafrica.com |language=fr |date=29 March 2023 }}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|Gradel played three matches against [[Mali national football team|Mali]] in 2012, [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] in 2015, and [[Allsvenskan|Sweden League XI]] in 2017, which were not recognized as full A-international by FIFA.<ref name="auto1"/>}}

On 28 December 2023, Gradel was included in the final 27-man squad for the [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations]] hosted by Ivory Coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/federationivoiriennedefootball/posts/pfbid02GVkTYXjhv2yBQizHRNxngTGoMrFLXgcUg3kQeXgEk3gZ158w6cxqRFjDBXCCU3ihl|title=LA LISTE|publisher=[[Ivorian Football Federation]]|date=28 December 2023|access-date=28 December 2023|language=pt|via=[[Facebook]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.7info.ci/cote-divoire-voici-les-27-elephants-de-gasset-zaha-et-des-tenors-font-leurs-adieux-a-la-can-2023/|title=Côte d'Ivoire: voici les 27 Eléphants de Gasset, Zaha et des ténors font leurs adieux à la CAN 2023|publisher=7info|first=Tristan|last=Sahi|date=28 December 2023|access-date=28 December 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cafonline.com/media/ow2obxrw/c%C3%B4te-divoire.pdf|title=CÔTE D'IVOIRE|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=5 January 2024}}</ref> He eventually captained his nation to their third continental title, following a 2–1 victory over [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] in the [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations final|final]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68196261 |title=Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 February 2024 }}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{{updated|match played 17 March 2024}}<ref>{{soccerbase|46686}}</ref><ref>{{soccerway|mark-alain-gradel/53399}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[FA Cup]], [[Coupe de France]], [[Turkish Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[EFL Cup|Football League Cup]], [[Coupe de la Ligue]]}}
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
|[[2008–09 Leicester City F.C. season|2008–09]]
|[[EFL League One|League One]]
|27||1||2||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||1<ref group="lower-alpha" name="FLT">Appearance(s) in [[EFL Trophy|Football League Trophy]]</ref>||0||32||2
|-
|[[2009–10 Leicester City F.C. season|2009–10]]
|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
|0||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!27!!1!!2!!1!!3!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!1!!0!!33!!2
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[AFC Bournemouth]] (loan)
|[[2007–08 AFC Bournemouth season|2007–08]]
|rowspan="2"|League One
|15||4||2||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="FLT"/>||0||19||5
|-
|[[2007–08 AFC Bournemouth season|2007–08]]
|19||5||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||19||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!34!!9!!2!!1!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!1!!0!!38!!10
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
|[[2009–10 Leeds United F.C. season|2009–10]]
|rowspan="2"|League One
|14||3||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="FLT"/>||0||16||3
|-
|[[2009–10 Leeds United F.C. season|2009–10]]
|18||3||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="FLT"/>||0||19||3
|-
|[[2010–11 Leeds United F.C. season|2010–11]]
|rowspan="2"|Championship
|41||18||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||44||18
|-
|[[2011–12 Leeds United F.C. season|2011–12]]
|4||1||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5||1
|-
!colspan="2|Total
!77!!25!!2!!0!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!3!!0!!84!!25
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]]
|[[2011–12 AS Saint-Étienne season|2011–12]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Ligue 1]]
|29||6||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||30||6
|-
|[[2012–13 AS Saint-Étienne season|2012–13]]
|23||3||0||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||3
|-
|[[2013–14 AS Saint-Étienne season|2013–14]]
|18||5||1||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||20||5
|-
|[[2014–15 AS Saint-Étienne season|2014–15]]
|31||17||1||0||1||0||7{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||40||17
|-
|[[2015–16 AS Saint-Étienne season|2015–16]]
|0||0||0||0||0||0||1{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!101!!31!!2!!0!!6!!0!!8!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!117!!31
|-
|rowspan="3"|AFC Bournemouth
|[[2015–16 AFC Bournemouth season|2015–16]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Premier League]]
|14||1||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||1
|-
|[[2016–17 AFC Bournemouth season|2016–17]]
|11||0||0||0||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!25!!1!!0!!0!!2!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!27!!2
|-
|[[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]] (loan)
|[[2017–18 Toulouse FC season|2017–18]]
|Ligue 1
|29||8||1||0||3||2||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in [[Ligue 1 relegation/promotion play-offs]]}}||1||35||11
|-
|rowspan="3"|Toulouse
|[[2018–19 Toulouse FC season|2018–19]]
|rowspan="2"|Ligue 1
|36||11||3||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||39||13
|-
|[[2019–20 Toulouse FC season|2019–20]]
|21||3||0||0||1||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!86!!22!!4!!2!!4!!3!!colspan="2"|—!!2!!1!!96!!28
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Sivasspor]]
|[[2020–21 Sivasspor season|2020–21]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Süper Lig]]
|39||11||3||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UEL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||48||12
|-
|[[2021–22 Sivasspor season|2021–22]]
|31||3||5||4||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa Conference League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||39||7
|-
|[[2022–23 Sivasspor season|2022–23]]
|30||7||4||1||colspan="2"|—||9{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Europa League, seven appearances and two goals in UEFA Europa Conference League}}||2||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Turkish Super Cup]]}}||0||44||10
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!100!!21!!12!!5!!colspan="2"|—!!18!!3!!1!!0!!131!!29
|-
|[[Gaziantep F.K.|Gaziantep]]
|[[2023–24 Gaziantep F.K. season|2023–24]]
|Süper Lig
|21||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!471!!111!!25!!9!!18!!4!!26!!3!!8!!1!!548!!128
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{{updated|match played 23 March 2024}}<ref name="NFT"/><ref name="auto1">{{cite web |last=Mamrud |first=Roberto |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/ivo-gradel-intlg.html |title=Max-Alain Gradel - Goals in International Matches |publisher=RSSSF |date=2 March 2023 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="14"|[[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]]
|2011||4||0
|-
|2012||15||2
|-
|2013||5||0
|-
|2014||9||3
|-
|2015||10||3
|-
|2016||8||1
|-
|2017||8||1
|-
|2018||6||1
|-
|2019||13||1
|-
|2020||4||0
|-
|2021||9||3
|-
|2022||10||2
|-
|2023||5||0
|-
|2024||7||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!113!!18
|}

:''Scores and results list Ivory Coast's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Gradel goal.''<ref name="NFT">{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/42723/Max_Alain_Gradel.html|title=Gradel, Max-Alain|website=National Football Teams|access-date=4 September 2017}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Max Gradel
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 15 August 2012 || [[Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow)|Lokomotiv Stadium]], [[Moscow]], Russia || {{fb|RUS}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || [[Exhibition game#Association football|Friendly]]
|-
| align="center"|2 || 8 September 2012 || [[Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny]], [[Abidjan]], Ivory Coast || {{fb|SEN}} || align="center"|4–2 || align="center"|4–2 || [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 5 March 2014 || [[King Baudouin Stadium]], [[Brussels]], Belgium || {{fb|BEL}} || align="center"|2–2 || align="center"|2–2 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|4 || 11 October 2014 || [[Stade des Martyrs]], [[Kinshasa]], DR Congo || {{fb|COD}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|2–1 || [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group D|2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|5 || 14 November 2014 || Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast || {{fb|SLE}} || align="center"|3–1 || align="center"|5–1 || 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
|-
| align="center"|6 || 24 January 2015 || [[Estadio de Malabo]], [[Malabo]], Equatorial Guinea || {{fb|MLI}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group D|2015 Africa Cup of Nations]]
|-
| align="center"|7 || 28 January 2015 || Estadio de Malabo, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea || {{fb|CMR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
|-
| align="center"|8 || 29 March 2015 || Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast || {{fb|EQG}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|9 || 29 March 2016 || [[Al-Merrikh Stadium]], [[Omdurman]], Sudan || {{fb|SUD}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || [[2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group I|2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|10 || 2 September 2017 || [[Stade d'Angondjé]], [[Libreville]], Gabon || {{fb|GAB}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF third round|2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|11 || 9 September 2018 || [[Stade Régional Nyamirambo]], [[Kigali]], Rwanda || {{fb|RWA}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–1 || [[2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group H|2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|12 || 1 July 2019 || [[30 June Stadium]], [[Cairo]], Egypt || {{fb|NAM}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|4–1 || [[2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group D|2019 Africa Cup of Nations]]
|-
| align="center"|13 || 26 March 2021 || [[Stade Général Seyni Kountché]], [[Niamey]], Niger || {{fb|NIG}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group K|2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|14 || 8 October 2021 || [[Orlando Stadium]], [[Johannesburg]], South Africa || {{fb|MWI}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round|2022 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|15 || 13 November 2021 || [[Stade de l'Amitié]], [[Cotonou]], Benin || {{fb|MOZ}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|16 || 12 January 2022 || [[Japoma Stadium]], [[Douala]], Cameroon || {{fb|EQG}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || [[2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E|2021 Africa Cup of Nations]]
|-
| align="center"|17 || 16 November 2022 || [[Stade de Marrakech]], [[Marrakesh]], Morocco || {{fb|BDI}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|4–0 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|18 || 23 March 2024 || [[Stade de la Licorne]], [[Amiens]], France || {{fb|BEN}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|2–2 || Friendly
|}

==Honours==
'''Leicester City'''
*[[Football League One]]: [[2008–09 Football League One|2008–09]]

'''Leeds United'''
*Football League One runner-up: [[2009–10 Football League One|2009–10]]

'''Saint-Étienne'''
*[[Coupe de la Ligue]]: [[2012–13 Coupe de la Ligue|2012–13]]

'''Sivasspor'''
*[[Turkish Cup]]: [[2021–22 Turkish Cup|2021–22]]<ref name=TCFL />

'''Ivory Coast'''
*[[Africa Cup of Nations]]: [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations|2015]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Hughes |first=Ian |date=8 February 2015 |title=Ivory Coast 0–0 Ghana |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31079315 |access-date=17 August 2020 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations|2023]];<ref name="2023caff">{{cite web|title=NIGERIA 1–2 IVORY COAST: SEBASTIAN HALLER GRABS WINNER AS HOSTS WIN AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS AFTER WILD TOURNAMENT|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/africa-cup-of-nations/2024/nigeria-v-ivory-coast-afcon-final-live_sto10013363/story.shtml|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|date=11 February 2024|access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref> runner-up: [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|2012]]<ref>{{cite news |date=12 February 2012 |title=Africa Cup of Nations final as it happened |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17005245 |access-date=17 August 2020 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
* Leeds United Fans' Player of The Year: [[2010–11 Leeds United F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref name="leedsunited"/>
* Leeds United Players' Player of the Year: 2010–11<ref name="leedsunited"/><ref name="yorkshire"/>
* Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations#Awards|2015]]
*[[:tr:Football Plus Magazine Football Oscars of the Year|Super Lig Winger of the Season]]: [[2020–21 Süper Lig#Annual awards|2020–21]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=MAX GRADEL AWARDED IN TURKISH SUPER LEAGUE |url=http://footinter.com/?page=detail-news&article=547&lang=en |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=footinter.com |language=en}}</ref>
*[[:tr:Team of the Year in Turkey|Süper Lig Team of the Season]]: [[2020–21 Süper Lig#Awards|2020–21]]

==See also==
* [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121225105856/http://www.leedsunited.com/page/PlayerProfiles/0,,10273~36853,00.html Max Gradel profile] at the Leeds United website
*{{Soccerbase}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Ivory Coast squads
| bg = #FF7300
| fg = white
| bordercolor = #008E56
| list1 = 
{{Ivory Coast squad 2012 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2013 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2015 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2017 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2019 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast men's football squad 2020 Summer Olympics}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2021 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2023 Africa Cup of Nations}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 = 
{{2015 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}
{{Leeds United F.C. Player of the Year}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gradel, Max}}
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:2012 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2013 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2015 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2017 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2019 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2021 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2023 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:AFC Bournemouth players]]
[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations–winning players]]
[[Category:AS Saint-Étienne players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 2020 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Footballers from Abidjan]]
[[Category:Ivorian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Ivorian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Ivorian expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Ivorian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Ivorian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Ivory Coast men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of France]]
[[Category:French men's footballers]]
[[Category:Leeds United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Leicester City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Ivory Coast]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Sivasspor footballers]]
[[Category:Gaziantep F.K. footballers]]
[[Category:Sakaryaspor footballers]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Toulouse FC players]]
[[Category:21st-century French sportsmen]]