Andreas Samaris
A commanding Greek midfield general whose career peaked with a legendary penalty in Brazil, etching his name into his nation's football folklore.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Greek footballer·Birthday: June 13·Millennials
Biography
Andreas Samaris built his reputation not on flashy skills, but on intelligence, tactical discipline, and a ferocious will to win. The tall, defensive midfielder rose to prominence with Olympiacos, where his leadership and ball-winning prowess made him a fan favorite and a title-winner. His steady performances earned him the captain's armband for the Greek national team, a role that suited his serious, commanding presence on the pitch. His career-defining moment came at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In a tense round-of-16 match against Costa Rica, with the game locked at 1-1 and heading to penalties, Samaris stepped up first for Greece and coolly converted. Although Greece ultimately lost, that moment of nerve under immense global pressure captured his character. His later career saw him take on challenges in Portugal and Cyprus, always valued for his experience and unshakeable competitive spirit.
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.
Andreas was born in 1989, 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 Andreas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Andreas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a crucial penalty in the shootout for Greece against Costa Rica in the knockout stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Won three consecutive Super League Greece titles with Olympiacos from 2014 to 2016.
- Captained the Greek national team during a period of transition, earning over 30 caps.
- Played in the UEFA Champions League group stages with both Olympiacos and Benfica.
Did You Know?
He began his professional career at Panachaiki, the club in his hometown of Patras.
He is known for his distinctive, heavily tattooed arms.
During his time at Benfica, he was part of the squad that won the 2016-17 Portuguese Primeira Liga title.
“My job is to break the opponent's play and protect my team.”
