Bryan Oviedo
A Costa Rican footballer whose career is a story of resilience, from a horrific leg break to scoring a historic World Cup goal against Italy.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Costa Rican footballer·Birthday: February 18·Millennials
Biography
Bryan Oviedo emerged from the youth ranks of Saprissa in San José, his technical skill and pace on the left flank catching the eye of European scouts. His move to the Premier League with Everton promised a bright future, but a double leg fracture in 2013 threatened to end it. Oviedo’s comeback was a testament to sheer determination, and he eventually reclaimed his place, even scoring a memorable winner against Manchester United. For his national team, he became an emblem of perseverance, etching his name into Costa Rican lore with the solitary goal that defeated Italy in the 2014 World Cup, a moment that propelled the small nation into the knockout rounds and global admiration. His journey, marked by setbacks and iconic triumphs, embodies the spirit of a dedicated international athlete.
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.
Bryan was born in 1990, 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 Bryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Bryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the winning goal for Costa Rica against Italy in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a historic victory that secured their place in the knockout stage.
- Played over 70 times for the Costa Rican national team, representing his country in multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments.
- Won the Danish Superliga championship with F.C. Copenhagen in the 2018-19 season.
- Made over 50 Premier League appearances for Everton between 2012 and 2017.
Did You Know?
His serious leg injury in 2013 occurred during an FA Cup match and required surgery to insert a metal rod.
He began his professional career at Deportivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica's most successful clubs.
He is commonly known by the nickname 'Capi' among fans and teammates.
He played alongside international star Keylor Navas for the Costa Rican national team for many years.
“I fought every day to come back from that injury and play at the highest level again.”
