Benoît Cheyrou

Early career

Cheyrou was born on Suresnes, Hauts-de-Seine. He began his career at his hometown club Racing Paris, which served as a family tradition among the Cheyrou household as his grandfather, father, and older brother trained there as young players as well. It is also the place where Cheyrou's father met his mother. During his time as a youth at the club, Cheyrou often played against the Paris Saint-Germain youths who were considered more rich and professional than Racing, which led to Cheyrou developing a minor grudge with the Parisian giants. Following Bruno's departure to Lens, the younger Cheyrou stayed behind until securing a move to Division 2 club Lille. That same year, his elder brother joined him at the club.

Lille

Cheyrou trained in the club's youth system for two years before earning promotion to the senior team for the 1999–2000 season. He made his professional debut on 3 September 1999, appearing as a substitute in a 2–0 victory over Toulouse. Four days later, he made his first professional start playing the entire match in a 1–0 victory over Wasquehal. Cheyrou remained a fixture in the team until the end of the year before suffering injury. He returned to the team for the 2000–01 season with Lille now playing in Division 1. Cheyrou only made eight league appearances, as he was again limited due to injury. The next season saw Cheyrou's appearances increased to 23 league matches with the midfielder also making four appearances in the UEFA…

Following a 19-season career, Cheyrou officially announced his retirement from professional football on 21 December 2017, at the age of 36, weeks after winning the MLS Cup with Toronto FC. He stated that he will remain with the Toronto organization, working as a coach with the TFC Academy. On 21 August 2018, Cheyrou left Toronto to return to his native France. On 7 February 2019, Cheyrou joined French amateur club La Salesienne as the assistant manager.

Lille

Division 2: 1999–2000 Auxerre

Coupe de France: 2004–05 Marseille

Ligue 1: 2009–10 Coupe de la Ligue: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12 Trophée des Champions: 2010, 2011 Toronto

MLS Cup: 2017 Supporters' Shield: 2017 Eastern Conference (Playoffs): 2016, 2017 Canadian Championship: 2016, 2017 France U19

UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2000 Individual

Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10 George Gross Memorial Trophy: 2016