Asmir Begović
A Bosnian refugee who became a Premier League stalwart, known for his commanding presence and one record-breaking goal.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Bosnian footballer·Birthday: June 20·Millennials
Biography
Asmir Begović's career is a story of resilience and adaptation. Fleeing the war in Bosnia as a child, his family settled in Germany and then Canada, where his soccer talent began to flourish. His professional journey took him from Portsmouth to a defining stint at Stoke City, where at 6'6", he became a formidable Premier League presence, a goalkeeper known for his sharp reflexes and authoritative command of the penalty area. He etched his name into football folklore in 2013, when a wind-assisted clearance from his own box sailed over the opposing goalkeeper's head and into the net, making him one of only a handful of goalkeepers to score in the Premier League—and doing so in just 13 seconds. Moves to Chelsea, Bournemouth, and later AC Milan and Everton showcased his experience and reliability. For the Bosnian national team, he has been a pillar, representing his homeland with pride on the international stage.
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.
Asmir was born in 1987, 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 Asmir Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Asmir's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a goal from his own penalty area against Southampton in 2013, a Premier League record for a goalkeeper at the time.
- Earned over 60 caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, representing them at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Won the Premier League title and the FA Cup during his time as a player at Chelsea.
- Established himself as a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper for several seasons with Stoke City.
Did You Know?
He holds a Canadian passport and represented Canada at youth international levels before choosing to play for Bosnia.
His goal against Southampton was officially timed at 13 seconds, one of the fastest in league history.
He played junior hockey in Canada as a defenseman before focusing solely on soccer.
He speaks four languages: Bosnian, English, German, and French.
“I was a refugee, and football gave me a home and a purpose.”
