Last weekend, Cristian Cásseres Jr. scored his first Ligue 1 goal during Toulouse FC’s 2-1 victory against Stade Rennais. It marked a significant milestone for the player, highlighting the hard work he’s put in that led to his move to European football last summer.
Before ever making the move to Toulouse, Cásseres Jr. came through Deportivo La Guaira’s youth system in Venezuela and made his first team debut in 2016. The midfielder made 15 total appearances for his boyhood club and left in 2018 to begin his career abroad.
Cásseres Jr. joined the New York Red Bulls in February 2018, where his career would take off and put him on Toulouse’s radar. The 24-year-old made 126 appearances for the MLS side during his six years with the club, scoring 15 goals and registering 13 assists.
Cristian Cásseres' first career L1 goal: a GOLAZO 🇻🇪💫 pic.twitter.com/pF8vp2v3RV
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 14, 2024
Former Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett spoke last July about the Venezuelan player’s growth with the team, which eventually led to him taking the next step in his career, moving to Europe.
“It’s been incredible to watch Cristian’s rise over the last six years from New York Red Bulls II to the first team, and to see him live out his dream of playing for the Venezuelan National team.”
“Cristian has been a role model for many of our players especially in the way he has become a leader for this club and we are excited for him to have this opportunity [to join Toulouse].”
The former Red Bulls standout moved to Les Violets in July 2023 and has become a key player for manager Carles Martínez Novell. Cásseres Jr. has made 37 appearances so far and registered one goal and three assists in his first season with the club.
Last November, Cásseres Jr. also spoke with Ligue 1 about his adaptation to France’s top flight and how it’s been a group effort to ensure he hit the ground running.
¡Hablamos con @Casseres23!
— Ligue 1 Español (@Ligue1_ESP) November 10, 2023
El 🐂 nos contó sobre su rápida adaptación al @ToulouseFC, le dejó un mensaje a las generaciones venideras del fútbol venezolano y se refirió a la chance de que la @SeleVinotinto juegue el próximo Mundial, entre otros temas. pic.twitter.com/xr8TWclK7U
“Honestly, it’s been quite a smooth transition since I got here. Right from the start, everyone at the club, my teammates, the staff, even the locals, they all pitched in to help me settle into the team, and that’s what matters most.”
“Their support made it easy for me to adapt and keep up with the pace of Ligue 1, which is pretty intense given its competitiveness. Overall, I’m really pleased and feel incredibly lucky to be part of this amazing family, and to have clocked in all the minutes I have up to now.”
Toulouse have a chance to wrap up the season in the top half of the Ligue 1 table, and they’re banking on Cásseres Jr. to step up and make a significant impact in these final five matches, aiming to conclude the campaign on a high note.
