Alex Smithies
A steadfast English goalkeeper whose reliable hands and sharp reflexes defined a long career between the posts for Huddersfield and Cardiff.
Born 1990 (age 36)·English footballer·Birthday: March 5·Millennials
Biography
Alexander Smithies emerged from the academy at Huddersfield Town, his boyhood club, to become a fixture in goal during his late teens. His agility and command of the penalty area made him a fan favorite at the John Smith's Stadium for nearly a decade, where he weathered various campaigns in the Championship. A move to Cardiff City in 2018 saw him continue as a dependable first-choice keeper, helping the team navigate the turbulent waters of promotion to and relegation from the Premier League. His career, built on consistency rather than flashy headlines, concluded with a return to Huddersfield, closing the loop on a professional journey defined by loyalty and steady performance.
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 1990, 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 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
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
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 250 appearances for Huddersfield Town, establishing himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper for nearly a decade.
- Played a key role in Cardiff City's 2018–19 season, making 33 appearances as the team fought to avoid Premier League relegation.
- Won the Football League Trophy with Huddersfield Town in the 2011–12 season.
Did You Know?
He made his professional debut for Huddersfield Town at the age of 17.
He was named Huddersfield Town's Young Player of the Year for the 2008–09 season.
His father, Nigel Smithies, was also a professional footballer.
“My job is to keep the ball out of the net, nothing else.”
