Adam Federici
An Australian goalkeeper who rose from obscurity to become a Premier League stalwart and a penalty-saving hero for his country.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Australian footballer·Birthday: January 31·Millennials
Biography
Adam Federici's story is one of perseverance, a journey that took him from the Australian outback to the bright lights of English football's top flight. Spotted while playing in his native New South Wales, he landed at Reading as a teenager, spending years on loan in the lower leagues honing his craft. His patience paid off when he eventually seized the number one jersey at the Madejski Stadium, his agile shot-stopping and calm distribution making him a fan favorite for over a decade. Federici's peak moment in a Reading shirt was a remarkable penalty save in a 2008 FA Cup shootout, cementing his reputation. He earned caps for the Socceroos, featuring in World Cup qualifiers, and later saw out his career back in England's Championship and in the A-League, respected as a model professional.
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.
Adam was born in 1985, 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 Adam Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Adam's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 200 appearances for Reading FC, including 23 in the Premier League during the 2012-13 season.
- Saved a crucial penalty in an FA Cup fifth-round shootout against Cardiff City in 2008, sending Reading to the quarter-finals.
- Earned 16 caps for the Australian national team, representing the Socceroos in World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Did You Know?
He was born in the mining town of Nowra, New South Wales, and played rugby league and Australian rules football as a child.
Federici kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut for Reading against Liverpool in December 2007.
He once scored a goal for Reading in a Championship match against Cardiff City in 2008, from a long clearance.
“You have to be ready when the call comes, no matter how long you wait.”
