Anthony Martial
A French forward whose explosive debut goal for Manchester United announced a mercurial talent capable of breathtaking moments.
Born 1995 (age 31)·French footballer·Birthday: December 5·Millennials
Biography
Born in the Parisian suburb of Massy, Anthony Martial's football journey began at the academy of Lyon before a breakout move to Monaco. His precocious talent, marked by a cool finishing ability and graceful dribbling, soon drew Europe's attention. In a dramatic 2015 transfer, he signed for Manchester United, where he announced himself with a stunning solo goal against Liverpool, instantly becoming a fan favorite. His time at Old Trafford was a story of flashes of brilliance—winning the Europa League and scoring in cup finals—interspersed with challenges of consistency and injury. After nearly a decade in England, his career took a new turn with a move to La Liga's Sevilla before landing in Mexico with Monterrey. Martial's legacy is that of a player who, on his day, possessed a rare and thrilling blend of pace and poise.
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.
Anthony was born in 1995, 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 Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Anthony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
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
2008Became a teenager
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
2011Could drive
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
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in the 2016-17 season.
- Scored on his Premier League debut for Manchester United with a memorable solo goal against Liverpool.
- Named the Golden Boy award winner in 2015, recognizing Europe's best young player.
- Has been a French international, representing his country at the UEFA European Championship.
- Won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 2016.
Did You Know?
His transfer fee to Manchester United could have risen to €80 million, making him the world's most expensive teenager at the time.
He is a cousin of former France international and 1998 World Cup winner, Willy Sagnol.
Martial holds the distinction of scoring Manchester United's 10,000th goal in all competitions.
He is known by the nickname 'Tony Martial' from a popular chant by Manchester United fans.
“I don't play for the cameras; I play to win.”
