Denis Genreau

Denis Genreau

Genreau playing for Australia U23 in 2021
Personal information
Date of birth	(1999-05-21) 21 May 1999 (age 25)
Place of birth	Paris, France
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder
Team information
Current team	Toulouse
Number	5
Youth career
	Brighton SC
2015–2020	Melbourne City
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2015–2018	Melbourne City NPL	52	(7)
2016–2018	Melbourne City	11	(0)
2018–2019	→ PEC Zwolle (loan)	10	(0)
2020–2021	Macarthur FC	23	(2)
2021–	Toulouse	63	(2)
2023–	Toulouse II	5	(3)
International career^‡
2017–2019	Australia U20	2	(1)
2019	Australia U23	6	(0)
2021–	Australia	6	(0)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Australia AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2020 Thailand U-23 Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20 May 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 June 2023

Denis Genreau (born 21 May 1999) is a professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for Ligue 1 club Toulouse and the Australia national team. Born in France, Genreau has represented Australia internationally since 2017.

Early life and personal life

Genreau was born in Paris, France, to French parents Sophie and Marc Genreau. Following Denis' birth, they moved with their family to Australia, having fond memories of a honeymoon there.^[1] Growing up in the suburb areas of Melbourne, Genreau learnt to speak French from both of his parents who wanted to pass down their French culture.^[2] His father had a love for football, showing his son YouTube clips of Zinedine Zidane and watching football on the TV together in the morning. His passion for football would be passed down, as Denis would frequently ask his father to take him to the local Melbourne park to kick the football around.^[3]

Denis graduated at Scotch College and was accepted into the Arts degree program at the University of Melbourne.^[4]

Club career

Melbourne City

In 2015, Genreau joined Melbourne City's academy system and went on to captain both the Melbourne City NPL squad and A-League Youth squad.^[5] Two years later, on 30 March 2017, he signed his first professional contract with the club, a 3-year scholarship deal that would promote him to the first-team.^[6] Genreau would receive his first call up into the A-League squad for the game against Adelaide United in October 2016.^[7] On 27 December 2016, Genreau made his senior club debut in a 3–3 home draw match against Perth Glory, coming on as a substitute for Anthony Caceres in the 80th minute.^[8] His first professional start for the club came on 11 February 2017 in a 2–2 home draw against Brisbane Roar.^[9]

On 29 August 2017, Genreau scored his first senior club goal in a 3–2 win against Hakoah Sydney City East in the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup.^[10] He came on as a second-half substitute and scored from a deflected free kick that was taken by Scott Jamieson.^[11] On 16 April 2018, Genreau won the La Trobe University Educational Award at the conclusion of A-League regular season.^[12]

Loan to PEC Zwolle

On 26 June 2018, Genreau joined PEC Zwolle on a 1-year loan rejoining with former Melbourne City Manager John van 't Schip.^[13] Genreau showed a promising start during pre-season, leading to 5 goals in total by July 2018, scoring a brace against Hannover 96 and contributing a goal to a 3–1 win against Levante.^[14][15]

On 11 August 2018, Genreau started on his Eredivisie club debut in a 2–3 home loss against Heerenveen.^[16] Genreau returned to Melbourne City on 21 December 2018, after having troubles with injuries throughout the beginning of the league season.^[17] He made 10 league appearances with the club before returning home to Melbourne.^[2]

After recovering from his injury, Denis Genreau returned to the Melbourne City squad in Round 3 of the 2019–20 A-League season. He wasted no time in making an impact, contributing a goal with a well-placed lob pass to Jamie Maclaren to secure a 2–1 away win against Western United.^[18] By the end of the season, Genreau was set to leave at the end of his contract due to lack of playing time within the first team.^[19] During an interview on ABC Podcast, Genreau explained about his departure and revealed that he had realised a decline in the trust shown to him by new managers since the departure of John van 't Schip, believing that it was a factor in his lack of regular playing time.^[20]

Macarthur FC

On 28 July 2020, Macarthur FC announced the signing of Genreau on a free transfer after his contract expired with Melbourne City. Genreau signed a 3-year deal, expiring in 2023, in hopes of receiving regular playing time that head coach Ante Milicic promised.^[20][21] He is the second signing to be revealed by the expansion club other than Tommy Oar.^[22]

On 31 December 2020, Genreau was named in the starting line-up for Macarthur's first A-League game in the club's history,^[23] playing against Western Sydney Wanderers.^[24] The Bull's won 1–0 at full time with Ante Milicic giving praise to Genreau for his performance, given it was his 12th league appearance in Australia top-flight.^[25] On 10 February 2021, Genreau scored his first league goal in a 2–1 win against Brisbane Roar.^[26] Established as a regular during the season, Genreau would help his side reach 4th place in the league, but missed out on A-League Finals Series due to international duty.^[27] At the conclusion of the season, Genreau received The Macarthur Medal as part of Macarthur FC's inaugural end of season awards for his performances in the league.^[28]

Toulouse

On 31 July 2021, Macarthur released a statement that Genreau had agreed terms with French club Toulouse FC.^[29] On 2 August 2021, Toulouse announced the signing of Genreau in a deal worth $300,000 with potential add-ons.^[30] He is the first Australian player to have signed with the club.^[31]

On 14 August 2021, Genreau made his club debut against SC Bastia in Ligue 2, coming on as a substitute for Stijn Spierings in a 1–0 home win.^[32] During an away match with USL Dunkerque, Genreau received a knock to the face that caused his front teeth to buckle, making it difficult for him to close his mouth properly. After seeing a dentist to fix his teeth, he was required to wear a mouthguard for three months.^[33] Genreau started becoming a regular starter for the club after impressing in multiple games off the bench with his stamina and versatility under Philippe Montanier's system.^[34][35] In a crucial league match against Nîmes Olympique, on 7 May 2022, Genreau scored the winning goal that led to a 2–1 victory for Toulouse. After going down 1–0 at halftime, Toulouse managed to level the score with a goal by Ado Onaiwu before Genreau's winner, in the 79th minute, secured victory and ultimately led to Toulouse winning the league and securing promotion to Ligue 1.^[36][37] On 26 May 2022, Genreau won the PFA Harry Kewell Medal for his performances in the 34 appearances he made for his club.^[38][39]

During the 2022–23 season, in January 2023, Genreau would miss out on the game against Ajaccio due to a groin injury, leading him to undergo surgery soon after.^[40] He made his return coming off the bench, on 12 February, in a 3–1 win against Rennes.^[41] However, frequent injuries from pubalgia led to Genreau making appearances off the bench more and eventually relegated to the reserve side to earn playing time.^[42] Eventually impressing from his performance in the reserves and during training, Philippe Montanier promoted Genreau to a starting position in light of Brecht Dejaegere absence with the first team.^[43] He made his first start of the season, on 9 April, in a 2–1 win over Montpellier.^[44] On 30 April, Genreau was an unused substitute in Toulouse's Coupe de France win over Nantes and earned his second trophy with the club despite not making an appearance during the cup campaign.^[45] In May, Genreau missed the league match against Ajaccio for the birth of his son, Louis.^[46] He started in the last game of the Ligue 1 season for Toulouse against Monaco as he finished the campaign with 1 assist in 7 league starts and 13 substitute appearances.^[47]

International career

Youth

Genreau earned his first call-up to the Australia U23 squad in January 2020 for the AFC U-23 Championship hosted in Thailand.^[48] He played in the opening group match against Thailand, helping his side secure a 2–1 victory.^[49][50] Although he did not feature in the remainder of the group stage, he made a second-half appearance in the semi-final against South Korea.^[51] He made one more appearance in the third-place playoff against Uzbekistan,^[52] where Australia won 1–0, securing their place in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.^[53]

On 13 July 2021, Genreau was announced to play for Australia in the Olympics, marking the country's first Olympic football squad since 2008.^[54] On 22 July 2021, he made his Olympic debut against Argentina, helping his side win a 2–0 upset in their opening group match.^[55][56] Despite starting in all three games, Genreau would find his side finishing bottom of the group after loses against Spain and Egypt.^[57]

Senior

In May 2021, Genreau would receive his first international call-up for Australia in the 2nd group stage round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification in Asia.^[58] On 7 June 2021, Genreau made his debut in a 5–1 win against Chinese Taipei, being named in the starting eleven before getting taken off in the 84th minute.^[59] Genreau earned his second cap for Australia in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, but unfortunately, the game ended in a 1–0 defeat that prevented Australia from securing automatic qualification to the World Cup.^[60] This led Australia to qualify for the inter-confederation play-offs against Peru.^[61] On 14 June 2022, Genreau was an unused substitute in the match against Peru, which saw his side qualify for the World Cup after a penalty shoot-out.^[62][63]

In July 2023, Genreau was recalled for Australia, having not made an appearance since September 2022, for the exhibition game against World Cup champions Argentina.^[64] He was brought on in the second half, minutes before Germán Pezzella sealed Argentina's 2–0 win at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing.^[65]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Melbourne City NPL	2015	NPL Victoria 1	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
	2016	NPL Victoria 2	27	0	0	0	0	0	27	0
	2017	NPL Victoria 2	10	4	0	0	0	0	10	4
	2018	NPL Victoria 2	12	3	0	0	0	0	12	3
	Total		52	7	0	0	0	0	52	7
Melbourne City	2016–17	A-League	4	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
	2017–18	A-League	1	0	1	1	0	0	2	1
	2019–20	A-League	6	0	2	0	0	0	8	0
	Total		11	0	3	1	0	0	14	1
PEC Zwolle (loan)	2018–19	Eredivisie	10	0	2	0	0	0	12	0
Macarthur	2020–21	A-League	23	2	0	0	0	0	23	2
Toulouse	2021–22	Ligue 2	34	1	3	0	0	0	37	1
	2022–23	Ligue 1	20	0	0	0	0	0	20	0
	2023–24	Ligue 1	9	0	0	0	4	0	13	0
	Total		63	1	3	0	4	0	70	1
Toulouse II	2022–23	Championnat National 3	3	1	0	0	0	0	3	1
	2023–24	Championnat National 2	2	2	0	0	0	0	2	2
	Total		5	3	0	0	0	0	5	3
Career total			164	13	8	1	4	0	176	14

International

As of 26 September 2022

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Australia	2021	1	0
	2022	3	0
	2023	2	0
Total		6	0

Honours

Toulouse

• Ligue 2: 2021–22^[36]
• Coupe de France: 2022–23^[66]

Individual

• Macarthur Medal: 2020–21^[28]
• Harry Kewell Medal: 2021–22^[38]

References

1. Tito, Clement (31 March 2021). "A French-Aussie teen's ambition..." FTBL.
2. James, Euan (6 October 2021). "How Genreau has "learned and grown a lot" from Toulouse experience | Socceroos". Socceroos.
3. "Socceroos youngster Denis Genreau is between two worlds". ABC News. 1 November 2022.
4. Lynch, Michael (30 March 2017). "From Paris to Melbourne, its G'day not Bonjour for City teenage signing Genreau". Sydney Morning Herald.
5. "Youth in Focus: Denis Genreau". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 17 April 2018.
6. "Teenage City trio sign on". FTBL. 30 March 2017.
7. "Team News: City unchanged for Friday, Franjic added". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 27 October 2016.
8. "Report: City 3-3 Perth". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 27 December 2016.
9. Davutovic, David (11 February 2017). "A-League: Melbourne City battle to 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar". Herald Sun.
10. "Joyce: We're pleased but there's plenty to work on". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 30 August 2017.
11. "Genreau: It was an opportunity to show what I can do". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 1 September 2017.
12. "Player of the Year: Schenkeveld, Barnes and Cavallo win top accolades". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 16 April 2018.
13. "Denis Genreau departs on loan to Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 26 June 2018.
14. "Genreau bags a brace for PEC Zwolle". FTBL. 30 July 2018.
15. "Genreau keeps banging them in for PEC Zwolle". FTBL. 22 July 2018.
16. "PEC Zwolle vs. Heerenveen - 10 August 2018". Soccerway. 10 August 2018.
17. Inan, Johan (21 December 2018). "PEC Zwolle licht koopoptie in huurcontract Genreau niet". De Stentor (in Dutch). Retrieved 6 November 2023.
18. "A-League Report: Western United 1-2 City". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 27 October 2019.
19. "Player Update: Dean Bouzanis and Denis Genreau". Melbourne City. KEEPUP. 25 July 2020.
20. "ABC Pod: Genreau reveals motivation behind switching Melbourne City for Macarthur FC". KEEPUP. 11 May 2021.
21. "Denis Genreau signs with Macarthur FC". Macarthur FC. KEEPUP. 28 July 2020.
22. "Olyroos midfielder in the Bulls pen". South West Voice. 29 July 2020.
23. "Match Week 1 - Squad Ins & Out: Wanderers v Bulls". Macarthur FC. KEEPUP. 29 December 2020.
24. "Western Sydney vs Macarthur FC - December 30, 2020". FOX Sports. 31 December 2020.
25. "'He's getting better daily': Milicic praises Genreau after historic derby triumph | MyFootball". MyFootball. 31 December 2020.
26. "Denis Genreau's first A-League goal fires Macarthur FC to victory | Socceroos". Socceroos. 10 February 2021.
27. Harrington, Anna (1 June 2021). "Socceroos, Spaniards and Frenchmen storming Macarthur into A-League finals". FTBL.
28. "Genreau Claims Inaugural Macarthur Medal". Macarthur FC. KEEPUP. 2 July 2021.
29. "STATEMENT: Denis Genreau Transfer". Macarthur FC. KEEPUP. 31 July 2021.
30. Bossi, Dominic (29 April 2022). "How a Socceroo's triumph in France was born out of cash-strapped A-League". The Sydney Morning Herald.
31. "L'international australien Denis Genreau est toulousain !". Toulouse FC (in French). 2 August 2021.
32. "Toulouse vs. Bastia - 14 August 2021". Soccerway. 14 August 2021.
33. Bossi, Dominic (5 October 2021). "'I shouldn't smile': Socceroo Genreau's battle as teammate withdraws with COVID". The Sydney Morning Herald.
34. Blanchet-Quérin, Anthoine (27 September 2021). "Denis Genreau's successful start at Toulouse raising eyebrows". Kick360.
35. Magan, Jeremy (12 October 2021). "Socceroo Denis Genreau becoming a key player in France". Front Page Football.
36. "Le Toulouse Football Club est champion de Ligue 2 BKT !". Toulouse FC (in French). 7 May 2022.
37. "Reactions. Denis Genreau : "On va faire tous les bars de Toulouse ce soir !" L'enthousiasme du milieu du TFC après le titre de champion de France de L2" [Reactions. Denis Genreau: "We'll go to all the bars in Toulouse tonight!" The enthusiasm of TFC midfielder after the French L2 Champions title]. La Dépêche du Midi (in French).
38. "Socceroos stars Tom Rogic and Denis Genreau win PFA awards | Socceroos". Socceroos. 26 May 2022.
39. Sadmi, Jade (26 May 2022). "TFC : Denis Genreau élu meilleur espoir australien de l'année" [TFC: Denis Genreau voted best Australian hope of the year]. La Dépêche du Midi (in French). Retrieved 27 May 2022.
40. Somerford, Ben (2 January 2023). "Socceroos Central: Mooy & McGree goals, Genreau injury". Green and Gold Army.
41. "Toulouse 3 vs. Rennes 1". Soccerway. 12 February 2023.
42. "Coupe de France. Qui est Denis Genreau, l'invité surprise de la fin de saison du Toulouse FC ?". Ouest-France.fr (in French). 28 April 2023.
43. "Lorient - TFC : "Il a beaucoup travaillé !" Avant la finale de la Coupe de France, l'Australien Denis Genreau revient en forme". ladepeche.fr (in French). 22 April 2023.
44. "Montpellier 1 vs. Toulouse 2". Soccerway. 9 April 2023.
45. "Socceroo part of history as Toulouse win Coupe de France". KEEPUP. 29 April 2023.
46. "Ajaccio - TFC : Voici la raison de l'absence de Denis Genreau, et c'est une bonne nouvelle". www.lesviolets.com (in French). 7 May 2023.
47. "Aussies Abroad: Mooy's Celtic wins treble, Hrustic's Hellas Verona to face relegation play-off | Socceroos". Socceroos. 4 June 2023.
48. "Australia's Group A games at AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020 to be shown on My Football YouTube Channel & Kayo Sports | Socceroos". Socceroos. 8 January 2020.
49. "Australia U-23's surge to top of Group A after comeback win over Thailand | Socceroos". Socceroos. 12 January 2020.
50. "Australia's belief and confidence is building everyday says Genreau | MyFootball". MyFootball. 14 January 2020.
51. "Utterly outplayed: Olyroos player ratings after dire semi-final defeat". Fox Sports. 22 January 2020.
52. "Australia U-23's to face Uzbekistan for a spot at Tokyo 2020 | Socceroos". Socceroos. 23 January 2020.
53. "Olyroos qualify for Tokyo 2020". Australian Olympic Committee.
54. "Ultimate Guide: Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Men's Football Tournament | Socceroos". Socceroos. 1 July 2021.
55. Wrack, Suzanne (22 July 2021). "Australia stun 10-man Argentina at Olympics with Wales and Tilio strikes". The Guardian.
56. "Aussies 'shock the world' in stunning 2-0 Olympics opener". 7NEWS. 22 July 2021.
57. "Olyroos' Genreau to join French side Toulouse". ESPN. 31 July 2021.
58. "31 players bound for Kuwait as Socceroos seek to seal top spot in Group B | Football Australia". Football Australia. 25 May 2021.
59. "'It's a massive honour': Denis Genreau reflects on historic Socceroos debut | MyFootball". MyFootball. 10 June 2021.
60. "Socceroos lose AGAIN as pressure build son coach". PerthNow. 29 March 2022.
61. "Arnold announces Socceroos squad for World Cup play-offs". SBS Sport. 28 May 2022.
62. Blanchet-Quérin, Anthoine (24 July 2022). ""Nobody in Australia believed in us!" – Genreau ready to fight for World Cup selection". kick360.
63. "Socceroos' squad for June's crucial FIFA World Cup Play-offs confirmed | Socceroos". Socceroos. 28 May 2022.
64. "The potential debutants and returning players for Australia's clash against Argentina | Socceroos". Socceroos. 6 June 2023.
65. "Socceroos lose out to Argentina | Socceroos". Socceroos. 15 June 2023.
66. "Genreau's Toulouse celebrate Coupe de France success". Optus Sport. 30 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023. Socceroos midfielder Denis Genreau has received a Coupe de France winners' medal after his Ligue 1 side Toulouse won their first major trophy by thrashing Nantes in the final.

External links

• Denis Genreau at WorldFootball.net
• Denis Genreau at Soccerway
• Denis Genreau – French league stats at Ligue 1 – also available in French