Benjamin André’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Benjamin André (born 3 August 1990) is a French professional footballer who plays for Lille OSC in Ligue 1. He plays as a holding midfielder, but also operates in the hole just behind the lead striker.

Club career

Ajaccio

André was with the Corsica-based club Ajaccio since he was 16 years old, joining the club as an academy player after arriving from his hometown of Nice in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. After gaining notice playing on the club’s under-18 side, he was promoted to the senior squad for the 2008–09 season, despite being only 17 years old at the time of the promotion. André appeared sparingly early on in the season making his debut on 22 August 2008 against Sedan appearing as a substitute in a 1–1 draw. He earned his first start in a Coupe de France match on 22 November 2008 against amateur side Bagnols Pont playing 120 minutes. The match went into a penalty shootout with the young André converting Ajaccio’s final shootout goal ensuring the club’s advancement to the next round.

Five days later, he made his first league start in a 0–2 defeat to Boulogne. Throughout the season, his starts increased and, despite Ajaccio’s inconsistent play, became an instant revelation helping the club reach the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France. He scored his first career goal of the season on the final match day of the season against Châteauroux in a 1–2 loss. His best season with Ajaccio was the 2013–14 Ligue 1 season. Although Ajaccio were relegated, he provided 4 goals and 5 assists across all competitions.

Rennes

In the summer transfer market of 2014, André signed with Rennes after six years at Ajaccio. On 25 January 2015, he scored his first goal for Stade Rennais in a 4–1 loss against Caen.

Lille

On 17 July 2019, André signed a four-year deal with Lille.

Personal life

André was born in France to a Senegalese father and a French mother.

Honours

Stade Rennais

• Coupe de France: 2018–19