Anthony Modeste (French footballer)
A powerful, peripatetic striker whose aerial dominance and instinct for goal made him a fan favorite across Europe's leagues.
Born 1988 (age 38)·French footballer·Birthday: April 14·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Modeste's career is a map of European football's mid-tier battlegrounds, marked by explosive seasons and nomadic journeys. Emerging from Nice's academy, the physically imposing striker truly announced himself in the Bundesliga. At FC Köln, he became a cult hero, particularly during the 2016-17 season where his 25 goals, celebrated with his signature goggles gesture, propelled the club and earned him a place in the league's team of the season. His style was direct and forceful, built upon exceptional strength in the air and a striker's ruthless efficiency in the box. Moves to China, back to Köln, and later to Borussia Dortmund showcased a player whose value was always measured in decisive moments, even as he adapted to different roles and expectations in the latter stages of his career.
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 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 Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Anthony'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
- Scored 25 goals in the 2016-17 Bundesliga season for 1. FC Köln, finishing as the league's second-top scorer.
- Named to the Bundesliga Team of the Season for the 2016-17 campaign.
- Won the Coupe de la Ligue with Bordeaux in 2009.
- Had prolific scoring spells in France's Ligue 1 with clubs like Bordeaux and Bastia.
Did You Know?
His goal celebration, pretending to put on goggles, originated from a joke with teammates about his large eyes.
He played for ten different clubs across five countries (France, England, Germany, China, and Italy).
Modeste is a devout Christian and has tattoos referencing his faith.
He briefly played for Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League in 2012.
“I score goals. That's my job, and I do it in the penalty area.”
