André Gomes
A technically gifted Portuguese midfielder whose elegant playmaking has graiced top clubs in Spain, England, and Turkey.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Portuguese footballer·Birthday: July 30·Millennials
Biography
André Gomes carries the ball with a languid grace that belies the competitive fire of a modern midfielder. His career trajectory took him from the academy of Benfica, where his vision and passing range first turned heads, to a breakout stint at Valencia that cemented his reputation. A high-profile move to Barcelona in 2016 placed him at the summit of European football, where he contributed to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double, though he sometimes struggled with the immense pressure of the Camp Nou. A subsequent loan to Everton, made permanent, showcased his quality in the Premier League's relentless pace before a move to Turkey. Gomes's game is one of control and incision, a left-footed conductor capable of dictating tempo. While his path has included challenges with form and injury, his technical pedigree has never been in doubt, earning him a place in Portugal's triumphant squad at Euro 2016.
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.
André 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 André Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
André'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 UEFA European Championship with Portugal in 2016, contributing to the nation's first major tournament victory.
- Secured a La Liga and Copa del Rey double with FC Barcelona during the 2017-2018 season.
- Earned a move to Barcelona after being named Valencia CF's Player of the Season for the 2015-2016 campaign.
- Helped Lille OSC win the Ligue 1 title in 2021 during a loan spell from Everton.
Did You Know?
He shares an agent, Jorge Mendes, with fellow Portuguese stars like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Gomes played his youth international football for Portugal's U-21 team, captaining the side.
He suffered a serious ankle injury in 2019 following a challenge from Son Heung-min, which led to a lengthy recovery.
“Football is a game of moments, and you must be ready for all of them.”
