Charlie Cresswell: From Leeds to Rennes, Chasing Dreams in Ligue 1

“Making the move away from England was a daunting choice,” admits Charlie Cresswell. It’s a path he never envisioned for himself. With a father who played professionally and a brother rising through Leeds’ ranks, it was a big step when the chance to join Toulouse presented itself in 2024. “That was the pivotal moment in my career,” he recalls. “Being a lifelong Leeds fan and part of the club since I was 10, it was tough to leave. But at 20, without any first-team appearances, I knew I needed to find a place where I could actually play,” says Cresswell, who is now gearing up to face Juventus in the Europa League with Rennes. Despite his connections to Leeds, he insists his motivation isn’t about proving anything to his old club. “I’m focused on my own career and working hard to establish myself,” he explains. A loan stint at Millwall didn’t yield the opportunities he craved, leading him to seek new challenges across the English Channel. Attracting interest from Toulouse, a club known for their analytical approach similar to Brighton's, was a positive sign. Cresswell quickly became a key player there, starting 57 out of 68 games over two seasons before joining Rennes last summer. “I had other options in England, and Brighton was one of them, but my partner and I made the decision to stay in France,” he shares. Rennes, with higher expectations than Toulouse, aims for Champions League qualification. “There’s a pressure to win games here,” says Cresswell. “At 24, it’s crucial for my growth to play in a competitive environment. I want to learn how to win under pressure, and this is the perfect place for that.” He’s familiar with several players who have played for Rennes, including Raphinha and Joe Rodon, but he didn’t need their endorsements. “Rennes sells itself as a club,” he notes. Currently, Rennes is unbeaten in the Europa League, with one win and one draw. How far can they go? “There are no limits for us. It would be foolish to set boundaries. We can aim for the title,” he asserts, as he prepares for what he calls the biggest match of his career against Juventus. Performing well here could enhance his reputation and potentially catch the eye of the England selectors. Cresswell’s dream has always been to represent his country. “Since I was a kid, that’s been my ultimate goal. All I can do is keep pushing myself,” he says, inspired by fellow players like Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah who have made their marks abroad. “It gives me hope that if I excel in Europe, I’ll get noticed,” he adds, recalling his success with England's Under-21s. The trend of young talent thriving in Ligue 1 is promising, and Cresswell feels he’s progressed significantly since his arrival in France. “I know I still have room for improvement, which is exciting,” he reflects. Training alongside Esteban Lepaul, Rennes’ top scorer, has been a challenge. “He’s like the Jamie Vardy of France,” Cresswell jokes, referencing Lepaul’s unconventional rise back to the top of the game. With Lepaul in fine form, could Rennes challenge for the title? Cresswell takes a thoughtful approach. “I don’t dwell on our final position. I focus on the next match and how we can perform. It’s all about the journey,” he explains. “The enjoyment comes from the daily training and the thrill of match days, not just the end result.” Cresswell is committed to his journey in France, dismissing any thoughts of returning to England. “I’m not in a rush to go back. My focus is on working hard and winning here,” he concludes.