Arouna Koné
A powerful and direct striker, his relentless pace and crucial goals propelled the Ivory Coast and clubs like Everton to major successes.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Ivorian footballer·Birthday: November 11·Millennials
Biography
Arouna Koné's football career was a story of explosive bursts, both in his playing style and his trajectory across Europe's leagues. The Ivorian striker, known for his raw speed, physical strength, and clinical finishing, first made his name in the Netherlands with Roda JC and PSV Eindhoven, where his goal-scoring prowess attracted wider attention. A big-money move to Spain with Sevilla proved difficult, but he rediscovered his form in England, first with Wigan Athletic and then, pivotally, with Everton. At Goodison Park, though often hampered by a serious knee injury, he became a cult hero for his work ethic and key contributions, including a vital 11-goal season that helped secure European football. On the international stage, he was a fixture for the Ivory Coast's golden generation, earning over 40 caps and playing a supporting role in their dramatic 2015 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. His career was one of resilience, defined by an ability to deliver important goals at important moments.
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.
Arouna was born in 1983, 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 Arouna Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Arouna's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
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
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
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
2004Turned 21
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
2013Turned 30
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
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast in 2015, coming on as a substitute in the final victory over Ghana.
- Scored 11 Premier League goals for Everton in the 2013-14 season, a key factor in the club's fifth-place finish.
- Won the KNVB Cup with PSV Eindhoven in the 2011-12 season.
- Helped Wigan Athletic win the FA Cup in 2013, starting in the famous final victory over Manchester City.
Did You Know?
He scored a hat-trick for PSV Eindhoven in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Zeta in 2011.
His transfer from PSV to Everton was part of a joint deal with teammate Bryan Oviedo.
He speaks five languages: French, English, Spanish, Dutch, and his native Dioula.
After retiring, he returned to his first professional club, Rio Sport d'Anyama, in Ivory Coast, as a technical director.
“Scoring goals is my job, and I celebrate every one like it's my first.”
