Cacau
A Brazilian-born striker who became a World Cup hero for Germany, embodying the modern story of football migration and integration at its most successful.
Born 1981 (age 45)·German footballer·Birthday: March 27·Millennials
Biography
Cacau's story is the footballing dream realized through an unexpected doorway. Born Claudemir Jerônimo Barreto in São Paulo, he was playing amateur football while working in a factory when a scout for German club Nuremberg spotted him. His move to Germany in 1999 began a remarkable transformation. He evolved from a raw talent into a sharp, intelligent striker, first with Stuttgart, where he became a fan idol and Bundesliga champion. His relentless work ethic and clinical finishing caught the eye of the German national team, and after gaining citizenship, he pulled on the white shirt. Cacau's peak moment came at the 2010 World Cup, where his goal in a 4-0 rout of Australia announced his arrival on the global stage, completing an improbable journey from Brazilian factory floor to German football icon.
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.
Cacau was born in 1981, 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 Cacau Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Cacau's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Bundesliga title with VfB Stuttgart in the 2006-07 season.
- Scored for Germany in their opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Australia.
- Earned 23 caps for the German national team, scoring 6 goals between 2009 and 2012.
- Made over 250 appearances for VfB Stuttgart, scoring 80 goals across all competitions.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Cacau' means 'cocoa' in Portuguese.
He was working in a chocolate factory when he was discovered by the German scout.
He scored a hat-trick in his final professional match for VfB Stuttgart in 2014.
After retirement, he became a youth coach and ambassador for the German Football Association (DFB).
“Germany gave me a chance. I repaid that with every sprint, every goal.”
