Denis Genreau

Denis Genreau (born 21 May 1999) is a professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Toulouse and the Australia national team.

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.

On 10 February 2021, Genreau scored his first league goal in a 2–1 win against Brisbane Roar.

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.

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.

On 31 July 2021, Macarthur released a statement that Genreau had agreed terms with french club Toulouse FC.

On 2 August 2021, Toulouse announced the signing of Genreau in a deal worth $300,000 with potential add-ons.

He is the first Australian player to have signed with the club.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Genreau would receive his first call up into the A-League squad for the game against Adelaide United in October 2016.

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.

Born in France, Genreau has represented Australia internationally since 2017.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

His first professional start for the club came on 11 February 2017 in a 2–2 home draw against Brisbane Roar.

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.

He came on as a second-half substitute and scored from a deflected free kick that was taken by Scott Jamieson.

On 16 April 2018, Genreau won the La Trobe University Educational Award at the conclusion of A-League regular season.

On 26 June 2018, Genreau joined PEC Zwolle on a 1 year loan rejoining with former Melbourne City Manager John van 't Schip.

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.

On 11 August 2018, Genreau started on his Eredivisie club debut in a 2–3 home loss against Heerenveen.

Genreau returned to Melbourne City on 21 December 2018, after having troubles with injuries throughout the beginning of the league season.

He made 10 league appearances with the club before returning home to Melbourne.

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.

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.

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.

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.

He is the second signing to be revealed by the expansion club other than Tommy Oar.

On 31 December 2020, Genreau was named in the starting line-up for Macarthur's first A-League game in the club's history, playing against Western Sydney Wanderers.