2019: In 2019, Brillant had a career-year for the Black-and-Red and was rewarded for his efforts with a new contract on Dec. 10. The 34-year-old finished the season with career highs in appearances (34), goals (2), and assists (2). Brillant led the league in clearances (210) and blocked shots (34), while coming in second to his defensive partner Steven Birnbaum in headed clearances (96). Due to his solid performances throughout the season, the Frenchman was named to MLS Team of the Week on five occasions, including a string of three consecutive appearances during the month of September. Brillant played a major role in helping D.C. United set a club record of five consecutive clean sheets to end the season.
2018: In his first season with the Black-and-Red, Brillant made an immediate impact by forming a defensive partnership with Birnbaum. The center back made 27 appearances (24 starts) in the regular season and helped United return to the playoffs. Brillant collected his first assist for the Black-and-Red on March 17, after he set up Luciano Acosta’s for a 96th-minute equalizer against the Houston Dynamo. His first goal for the club came on Nov. 1 during the knockout round of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs against the Columbus Crew. Brillant’s close-range header opened the scoring, and marked the first playoff goal at Audi Field.
2017 (NYCFC): In 2017, Brillant continued to be a key factor in the New York defense, making 23 appearances (16 starts) and scoring one goal. His lone goal that year was as an important game-winner in the 2-1 win against second place Chicago on July 22. His defensive stability helped pave the way for New York to have the fifth stingiest defense in MLS (third in Eastern Conference) by allowing only 43 goals in 2017.
2016 (NYCFC): Brillant made his MLS debut in a win over Chicago on March 6 and immediately became a factor for NYCFC’s backline. He started 31 out of 34 regular season games for the Sky Blues and helped lead the franchise to their first ever MLS Cup Playoff berth. The defender recorded eight shutouts in his first season and scored his first career MLS goal on May 29 in a 2-2 draw with Orlando to earn an MLS Team of the Week selection. His performance in October of 2016 earned him the Etihad Player of the Month award for NYCFC.
Brillant started his professional career in the Belgian First Division with Koninklijke Voetbalclub Oostende. He made 127 appearances recording 13 goals and an assist during two stints with the team (2011-2012, 2013-2016). He spent the 2012/2013 season with another Belgian side, Beerschot AC. Brillant made 32 appearances for Beerschot, scoring one goal and recording three assists.
December 10, 2017: Acquired from New York City F.C. in exchange for $75,000 of General
Allocation Money and a 2018 international slot and signed to a two-year contract.
December 10, 2019: Re-signed to a two year contract.
