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BIO

Introduction: A Globe-Trotting GoalkeeperFrom Anjou Beginnings to French Youth Academies
Benoit was born in Loire-Authion (France). Like many boys, it was always his dream to become a professional footballer. He started playing at the age of five and represented several French clubs as his parents often moved for work. Over the years he trialled with professional sides such as AS Monaco FC and SCO Angers. At 15 he earned a scholarship at Le Mans Union Club 72’s academy.Early English Adventure: Lower Leagues and a Futsal Detour
Aged just 18, Benoit moved to England to realise his dream of playing there. He trialled with Skrill South Conference and Ryman League clubs - including Tonbridge Angels, Horsham FC and Chipstead FC - but had to start lower to showcase his ability, joining AFC Uckfield and Hailsham Town FC in the Macron Southern Combination Premier League. Strong displays led to a trial with Galway United (Ireland First Division). The following season he signed for Crawley Down Gatwick in the Ryman League. In 2013/14 he switched codes, playing his trade for FC Šiauliai Futsal in the FA National Futsal League, twice being voted Man of the Match in victories that secured the club’s league status.Slovak Restart and Australian Sojourn
Unsuccessful trials with the Rochester Lancers and Harrisburg Heat (Major Arena Soccer League) prompted a brief break. He resumed training in 2017 with SK Svätý Jur (3. Liga, Slovakia), which led to a move to Western Condors in Australia’s NSW State League - a regional semi-professional competition at level 3 of the national pyramid.Austrian Spell Cut Short by Injury
During the 2018/19 winter window Benoit signed for Union Innsbruck for the remainder of the season. A knee injury sidelined him, but he returned in April to make six Tiroler Liga appearances before another setback; he chose not to re-sign.U.S. & Romanian Trials, Then Off to Tahiti
A few trials in the USA and Romania the next summer almost produced a professional deal with Înainte Modelu (Liga III, Romania), but negotiations collapsed late in the 2019/20 window. Weeks later he joined AS Central Sports - the most decorated club in Tahiti, quarter-finalists in the previous season’s Oceania Champions League.Rapid Romanian Return Thwarted by Covid-19
After three months in Tahiti’s Ligue 1 Vini, Benoit returned to Europe seeking a professional contract. On 27 February 2020 he signed with CSM Pașcani (Liga III). The club, battling relegation, had recruited him and five others. He debuted against SC Oțelul Galați, but the pandemic cancelled the season and voided his deal. That lone match, however, caught the eye of CS Știința Miroslava - recently relegated from Liga II - who offered a one-year contract. Medical-test disputes ended the move before it began.2020-21: Survival Campaign with Pașcani
Clubless for the first half of 2020/21, Benoit trained in France, passed all medicals and was declared fit. In January he was invited to train with Progresul Spartac 44 (Liga III) but instead re-joined Înainte Modelu for pre-season. Offered an 18-month contract, he declined after receiving a better proposal from Pașcani and re-signed there on deadline day. He played every remaining match - eight regular-season games and two play-offs - helping Pașcani stay in Liga III with a 7–1 aggregate win.Brief Gilortul Stop and Time Out of Contract
Pașcani hoped to extend him for 2021/22, but financial issues prevented an offer. Just before the window closed, Benoit signed a professional contract through 30 June 2022 with CS Gilortul Târgu Cărbunești (Liga III, Serie 7). The club, sixth the previous season - one point off third - aimed for a top-four play-off spot. On 26 September he terminated his contract after expectations were not met, rendering him ineligible to play until the winter window. He trialled with Dacia Unirea Brăila (Liga II), who could not sign him but let him train. After a few weeks he received an offer from Eding Sports (MTN Elite One, Cameroon) yet declined, feeling it was not the right environment, and instead returned to Pașcani until season’s end.Heading South: New Zealand season at Green Island AFC
On 22 March 2023 he joined Green Island AFC in New Zealand’s National League - South for one season, making ten league appearances and recording three clean sheets. The club exited the Chatham Cup in the round of 32 after a penalty shoot-out.2024 OFC Champions League Qualifying Stage with Tupapa Maraerenga
Early 2024 Benoit signed for Tupapa Maraerenga, preparing for the OFC Champions League qualifying stage held in Tonga from 17 to 23 February. Tupapa Maraerenga is the Cook Islands’ most successful club, with 18 Tower Insurance Premierships and 10 Cook Islands Cups. Benoit played a friendly against the Cook Islands U-19s, then featured in every qualifier. The team registered two wins and one loss, finishing second—just a point short of advancing.Vanuatu Beckons: Signing for Ifira Black Bird
After lengthy discussions, Benoit agreed to join Ifira Black Bird FC for the 2024/25 season. Founded in 1918, the club is among Vanuatu’s oldest and most decorated sides, having lifted the Port Vila Football League title in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Following a short settling-in period, he made his Vodafone Super League debut against North Efate United. Ifira finished level on points at the top of the table with Galaxy FC. Once the domestic campaign ended, the squad travelled to Honiara for the OFC Men’s Champions League. The group stage opened with a 3-0 win over Benoit’s former club Tupapa Maraerenga, sealed with a clean sheet. A disciplined display earned a draw against Hekari United, and a 1-1 result versus hosts Central Coast secured a semi-final spot. There, 12-time champions Auckland City proved too strong, scoring in each half, yet reaching Oceania’s final four remained a major milestone for Ifira Black Bird and Vanuatu football.

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