Benjamin Corgnet
A versatile French midfielder who carved out a solid professional career through tactical intelligence and consistency in Ligue 1.
Born 1987 (age 39)·French professional footballer·Birthday: April 6·Millennials
Biography
Benjamin Corgnet's football journey is a testament to the value of the steady, intelligent player. Not a product of a famed academy, he climbed the ranks through France's lower divisions, his technical skill and game understanding catching the eye of scouts. His breakthrough came with Dijon FCO, where he became a midfield linchpin, helping the club secure promotion to Ligue 1 and then establish itself in the top flight. Corgnet was the kind of player managers relied on—able to dictate tempo, break up opposition play, and contribute crucial goals. A subsequent move to Saint-Étienne, one of France's most storied clubs, placed him in a more demanding cauldron, where he continued to be a reliable presence in the engine room. His career path, marked by gradual ascent and dependable performance, illustrates a different kind of success story in professional sports, built on adaptability and footballing IQ rather than flashy headlines.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Benjamin was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Benjamin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Benjamin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key role in Dijon FCO's promotion to Ligue 1 for the 2011-2012 season.
- Made over 100 appearances for AS Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1 between 2013 and 2017.
- Scored in a memorable 2-2 draw for Saint-Étienne against Swiss side FC Thun in the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League.
Did You Know?
He studied for a degree in economics and social administration alongside his early football career.
Corgnet began his professional career with FC Gueugnon in the French third division.
He is known for being an avid chess player, which he says helps his tactical thinking on the pitch.
“My role is to connect the play, to find the pass that others don't see.”
