Anthony Stokes
A mercurial Irish striker whose blistering talent and prolific spells were often shadowed by controversy off the pitch.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Irish association football player·Birthday: July 25·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Stokes's career was a rollercoaster of spectacular goals and headline-grabbing tumult. Blessed with a natural, predatory instinct in front of goal, he announced himself as a teenager with a staggering 14 goals in 16 games on loan at Falkirk, prompting a move to Arsenal. His most successful and turbulent years came at Celtic, where he became a fan favorite for his crucial strikes in Old Firm derbies and title-winning campaigns, forming a potent partnership with Gary Hooper. Yet, for every moment of brilliance—like his double in the 2013 Scottish Cup final—there seemed to be a disciplinary lapse or off-field incident waiting in the wings. His journey after Celtic took him across the UK and into Iran, a nomadic search for form and stability that his early talent promised but his career's narrative often struggled to deliver.
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
- Won three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and one Scottish League Cup during his time with Celtic.
- Scored a brace for Celtic in the 2013 Scottish Cup Final, a 3-0 victory over Hibernian.
- Was the Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season.
- Once scored 14 goals in 16 games during a prolific loan spell at Falkirk as an 18-year-old.
Did You Know?
He is of Irish and Nigerian descent.
He made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2007, coming on as a substitute for Robbie Keane.
He had a very brief stint with Iranian club Tractor S.C. in 2021.
He played for Hibernian both before and after his long spell with their rivals Celtic.
“I play the game my way, and the goals speak for themselves.”
