Bram van Vlerken
A versatile Dutch defender whose professional journey embodies the resilience required to carve out a career in European football's competitive leagues.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Dutch footballer·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Bram van Vlerken emerged from the youth system of Willem II in the Netherlands, stepping into the professional arena with a clear identity as a robust right-back. His early career was marked by a series of strategic loans within the Dutch second tier, playing for clubs like FC Den Bosch and TOP Oss, where he honed his defensive craft through consistent first-team football. In 2019, he made a permanent move to De Graafschap, a club with a passionate following, where his committed performances solidified his reputation as a dependable league professional. While his path hasn't led to the Dutch national team or a top-flight giant, his story is a testament to the many players who form the essential backbone of the sport, valued for their work ethic and tactical understanding by coaches and supporters alike.
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.
Bram 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 Bram Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Bram'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
- Made his professional Eredivisie debut for Willem II in the 2014-2015 season.
- Became a regular starter in the Eerste Divisie during loan spells with FC Den Bosch and TOP Oss.
- Established himself as a key defensive player for De Graafschap after a permanent transfer in 2019.
Did You Know?
He shares his birthplace of 's-Hertogenbosch with famous medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch.
Van Vlerken stands at 1.87 meters (6'1"), a height that aids his aerial duels as a defender.
His younger brother, Thijs van Vlerken, is also a professional footballer playing as a goalkeeper.
“You defend your flank, you trust your teammate, and you play for the badge.”
