Alex (footballer, born June 1982)
A Brazilian defensive rock whose thunderous free-kicks earned him the nickname 'The Tank' and made him a cult hero at Chelsea and PSV Eindhoven.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Brazilian association football player·Birthday: June 17·Millennials
Biography
Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa, known simply as Alex, built a formidable career on two pillars: immovable strength in defense and a right foot that struck a football like a cannon. His journey from South Brazil to Europe saw him become a cornerstone at PSV Eindhoven, where his defensive prowess and set-piece fireworks helped secure multiple Eredivisie titles. A move to Chelsea, though often as a squad player, cemented his reputation in the Premier League; when he played, his physicality was unmistakable. Fans remember him for moments of sheer power—free-kicks that seemed to defy physics, blasting through walls and past stunned goalkeepers. In an era of elegant defenders, Alex was a throwback: a no-nonsense, powerful enforcer who could also decide a game with one explosive swing of his leg.
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.
Alex was born in 1982, 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 Alex Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven during his time in the Netherlands.
- Scored a famous, powerful free-kick for Chelsea against Liverpool in the 2009-10 Premier League season.
- Earned multiple caps for the Brazilian national team, including appearances in Copa América tournaments.
- Won the FA Cup with Chelsea in the 2008-2009 season.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'O Tanque' (The Tank) was given for his powerful physique and strong playing style.
Alex began his European career at Dutch club Santos, unrelated to the Brazilian team, before moving to PSV.
He is known for scoring several goals directly from free-kicks, often with minimal curve and maximum power.
“A defender's job is to make the striker remember your name.”
