Änis Ben-Hatira
A technically smooth attacking midfielder who carved out a solid career in Germany's top divisions while representing Tunisia on the international stage.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Tunisian footballer·Birthday: July 18·Millennials
Biography
Born in Berlin to a Tunisian father and a German mother, Änis Ben-Hatira's career bridged two footballing cultures. A creative force in midfield, he emerged from Hertha Berlin's youth ranks, making his Bundesliga debut for the club as a teenager. His style was marked by close control, vision, and a powerful left foot capable of spectacular goals. While he never became a superstar, Ben-Hatira established himself as a dependable and skillful player in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga with spells at Hamburger SV, Darmstadt, and Union Berlin. He opted to represent Tunisia, earning caps for the Carthage Eagles and scoring in African Cup of Nations qualification. His later years saw him return to Hertha's reserve side, coming full circle in the city where his career began.
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.
Änis was born in 1988, 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 Änis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Änis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 12 caps for the Tunisia national football team, scoring one international goal.
- Made over 100 combined appearances in Germany's Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga across multiple clubs.
- Scored a memorable long-range goal for Hertha Berlin against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in 2009.
Did You Know?
He scored on his debut for the Tunisia national team in a 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.
He played alongside his brother, Sami, at Hertha BSC II early in his career.
He is a product of the same Hertha Berlin youth academy that produced players like Jerome Boateng.
“I chose Tunisia because my heart beats for the country of my father.”
