Bill Tuiloma
A versatile and stalwart defender, he anchors the Wellington Phoenix backline while representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Born 1995 (age 31)·New Zealand footballer·Birthday: March 27·Millennials
Biography
Bill Tuiloma's football journey is one of resilience and adaptation. Born in Auckland, his raw talent was spotted early, leading to a move to French powerhouse Olympique de Marseille's youth academy as a teenager—a daunting leap for a young Kiwi. While breaking into the star-studded first team proved difficult, his time in Europe forged a technically sound and disciplined player. He found his footing in the United States with the Portland Timbers in MLS, where his powerful tackling and ability to play both centre-back and defensive midfield made him a valuable asset. In 2022, he returned home to New Zealand, signing with the Wellington Phoenix. There, he has matured into a defensive leader, his experience and physical presence providing crucial stability. For the national team, the All Whites, Tuiloma has been a consistent selection, contributing to World Cup qualifying campaigns and representing his country in the OFC Nations Cup.
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.
Bill was born in 1995, 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 Bill Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Bill's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
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
2008Became a teenager
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
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
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
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Began his professional career with Olympique de Marseille in France's Ligue 1.
- Won the MLS Cup with the Portland Timbers in 2015 during his time with the club.
- Has earned multiple caps for the New Zealand national team, the All Whites, since his debut in 2013.
- Became a key defensive signing for the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League upon his return to New Zealand in 2022.
Did You Know?
He is of Samoan descent.
He played alongside stars like André-Pierre Gignac and Dimitri Payet during his time at Marseille.
He scored his first MLS goal for the Portland Timbers with a long-range free kick against the Seattle Sounders in 2017.
“You have to be ready when your chance comes, no excuses.”
