Charlie Cresswell, a centre-back for Toulouse FC, has found himself in a fascinating conversation about football fandom. Born out of Leeds United’s academy, he spent a solid four years with their first team, and even had a loan stint at Millwall during the 2022/23 season. But it’s his new journey in France that’s really opened his eyes to the vibrant culture surrounding football supporters there.
Since wrapping up his time at Leeds in July 2024 and making the switch to Ligue 1, Charlie has been reflecting on the differences between how fans rally behind their teams in England versus France. His thoughts were recently shared by Foot en France, shedding light on just how passionate and organized French football fans can be.
He’s been particularly amazed by the intensity and vibe of the French ultras. “In France, the fans are fantastic,” he says, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. “We don’t really have that in England—those ‘crazy’ fans. They’re jumping around all over the place throughout the match!”
It’s like a big party for them, with devoted ultras leading the charge right from the stands—mic in hand, waving their arms, and coordinating the vibe of the crowd. For Charlie, that’s a whole new experience. “There are ultras standing up front in the stands with microphones, directing the other supporters. It’s really crazy!”
During his time at Leeds and Millwall, he didn’t quite encounter that level of organized enthusiasm. Sure, the fans were passionate and dedicated, but it seemed more about cheering than orchestrating the entire stadium’s energy.
Foot en France noted that the 23-year-old defender really admires the total commitment he sees from the supporters in France. There’s something uniquely captivating about the way they back their team. “Sometimes, they don’t even watch the match,” he explains, grinning. “They’re just singing and jumping like crazy! In England, I didn’t really see fans with microphones in the stadium to motivate everyone.”
Since joining Toulouse, Charlie has taken to the pitch 42 times, with eight of those appearances happening this season alone. However, juicy rumors from back in the UK have started to link him with a few English clubs. It’s a lot to consider, especially after this eye-opening experience abroad.
Cresswell’s journey is a reminder of how football isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural tapestry woven by the fans who breathe life into the sport. And as he navigates this new chapter of his career in France, he’s not just playing football—he’s diving into a whole new world of passion and energy on and off the pitch.
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