Anthony Pilkington
A tricky winger with a thunderous left foot, he carved a solid professional career by delivering crucial goals from wide areas for club and adopted country.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Irish footballer·Birthday: June 6·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Pilkington’s football story is one of persistence and a potent, direct attacking style. Born in England to an Irish mother, he climbed the professional ladder the hard way, starting in the youth ranks at Manchester United before finding his footing in the lower leagues with Stockport County and Huddersfield Town. It was at Norwich City, following a 2011 promotion to the Premier League, where he made his most notable mark. Pilkington wasn't a flashy dribbler, but a deceptively effective wide man known for cutting inside onto his powerful left foot and unleashing precise shots or crosses. His knack for important goals, including a memorable winner against Manchester United at Carrow Road, endeared him to fans. He later represented the Republic of Ireland, his mother's homeland, earning nine caps. After spells with Cardiff City and others, injuries began to take a toll, leading to his retirement. Pilkington’s career exemplifies the journey of a dedicated professional who maximized his talents to compete at the highest levels of the English game.
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 the winning goal for Norwich City in a historic 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United in November 2012.
- Played a key role in Huddersfield Town's 2010-11 campaign, scoring 13 goals from midfield to help them reach the League One playoff final.
- Earned nine senior international caps for the Republic of Ireland between 2013 and 2016.
- Won the Norwich City Goal of the Season award in 2013/14 for a long-range strike against Sunderland.
Did You Know?
He was part of the same Manchester United youth team as Gerard Piqué and Giuseppe Rossi.
Pilkington made his professional debut for Stockport County against Swansea City, coming on as a substitute for a young Adam Le Fondre.
He qualified for the Republic of Ireland through his maternal grandmother.
After retiring, he returned to live in the Norwich area and has been involved in local youth football.
“You have to take your chance when it comes in a big game.”
