Alphonse Areola
A French goalkeeper of Filipino descent whose career has been defined by crucial saves for club and country, often as a formidable understudy.
Born 1993 (age 33)·French footballer·Birthday: February 27·Millennials
Biography
Alphonse Areola's journey in goal is one of patience and pivotal moments. A Parisian born to Filipino parents, he rose through the famed academy of Paris Saint-Germain, signing his first professional contract with the club at 16. His path to the top, however, was never linear. For years, he served as a highly capable deputy, loaned out to clubs like Lens, Bastia, and Villarreal where he earned his stripes as a Ligue 1 and La Liga starter. His breakout moment came not in Paris, but on loan at Real Madrid in 2019, where he provided reliable cover and won the Spanish Super Cup. Areola's greatest triumphs are tied to the French national team; he was the backup goalkeeper for the squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and he played every minute in goal when France won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. A goalkeeper with sharp reflexes and commanding presence, he has carved a niche as a player trusted in the biggest moments, whether starting or from the bench.
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.
Alphonse was born in 1993, 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 Alphonse Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Alphonse's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the France national team as part of the squad.
- Was the starting goalkeeper for France in their victory in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final.
- Won the UEFA Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, saving two penalties in the shootout victory over Manchester United.
- Won the Spanish Super Cup during a loan spell with Real Madrid in 2019-2020.
Did You Know?
His full name is Alphonse Francis Areola, and he is of Filipino descent through his parents.
He was the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in a UEFA Nations League final, doing so against Spain's Sergio Busquets in 2021.
He won the FIFA U-20 World Cup with France in 2013, saving a penalty in the final shootout.
He has played for both major clubs in Paris: Paris Saint-Germain and their rivals Paris FC in his youth.
“You have to be ready for the moment when the team needs you.”
