From Leeds United to Toulouse: Charlie Cresswell Eyes Ligue 1 Success

The Toulouse defender is the son of Richard Cresswell, a former professional footballer who played for Leeds United in the early 2000s. Like his father, the 22-year-old played for the Whites, marking the second generation to do so at the English club.

Cresswell spent his entire youth career and most of his professional career at Leeds United, apart from a loan spell at Millwall during the 2022-23 season, where he made 30 total appearances.

During his time with Leeds United's first team, Cresswell made 14 total appearances, but after being at the club since 2013, he opted for a new challenge that led him to venture out of England.

Cresswell arrived this past summer from Leeds United to the south-west of France, looking to garner a prominent role with Les Violets. Last July, the European Under-21 champion spoke with Toulouse's official website and explained his decision to leave England for France.

"I felt wanted by the club, which really worked hard internally to bring me on board. They made it clear that I could become an important part of their project. It's a very ambitious project, and that's something I really liked too!"

"It’s definitely a risk [to leave England], but I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. Not many English players move abroad, but I wanted to take on the challenge, experience something new, and improve in every aspect of my game. It’s a big challenge, but it’s exciting."

The center-back has made 16 total appearances while recording 1,243 minutes this season so far for Toulouse. Cresswell has quickly become a key defender for Toulouse despite having to adapt to a new country, language, and league.

Last August, the Preston native spoke to Get French Football and revealed how life at Toulouse was going early into the 2024-25 Ligue 1 McDonald's season.

“It’s a step up from the league that I had been playing in. I feel like I’m adapting and enjoying every minute. The crowd are obviously allowed to drink alcohol here so it’s very loud. It’s great... I love playing in Toulouse, I love the people around the place, love the city, love the fans. I’m really finding my feet and hopefully, we can have a good season.”

Cresswell will aim to follow in the footsteps of players like LOSC Lille's Angel Gomes, former Olympique Lyonnais defender Jake O'Brien, and Olympique de Marseille's Mason Greenwood, who have all made successful moves to Ligue 1 McDonald's.

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