Amaury Bischoff
A Portuguese-born midfielder whose nomadic career, marked by flashes of technical brilliance, culminated in a brief but memorable stint at Arsenal.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Footballer·Birthday: March 31·Millennials
Biography
Amaury Bischoff's football journey is one of unfulfilled potential and fascinating geography. Born in France to Portuguese parents, he was a youth prospect at Strasbourg before his talent caught the eye of German giants Werder Bremen. It was there, in the Bundesliga, that he showed glimpses of the creative, attacking midfielder he could become. His career took its most dramatic turn in 2008 when Arsène Wenger brought him to Arsenal on a free transfer. The move was a gamble on his technical quality, but it was hampered persistently by injuries. He managed only a handful of appearances for the Gunners, his most notable moment perhaps a long-range goal in a League Cup match. After leaving North London, his career became increasingly itinerant, with stops in Portugal and lower divisions, before retiring relatively young. He remains a curious footnote—a player of clear ability whose physical fragility prevented him from reaching the heights his early promise suggested.
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.
Amaury was born in 1987, 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 Amaury Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Amaury's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Signed for Premier League club Arsenal in 2008, making four first-team appearances.
- Won the German Cup (DFB-Pokal) with Werder Bremen in the 2008-09 season, shortly after leaving the club.
- Represented Portugal at multiple youth international levels, from U-18 to U-21.
- Played professionally in four different countries: France, Germany, England, and Portugal.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow professional footballer Steven Bischoff.
His only goal for Arsenal was a spectacular 30-yard strike in a League Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
He was part of the Portugal squad that reached the final of the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
After retiring, he has worked as a player's agent.
“The ball doesn't care where you're from, only where you want it to go.”
