Carles Gil
A Spanish midfield technician whose creative brilliance found a perfect home in New England, where he became the league's most valuable player.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Carles Gil's career is a testament to the value of finding the right stage. A product of Valencia's academy, the nimble attacking midfielder showcased flashes of his sublime technical skill in La Liga and England's Premier League with Aston Villa, but often struggled for consistent playing time. His 2019 move to Major League Soccer's New England Revolution proved transformative. Instantly installed as the team's conductor, Gil's vision, precise passing, and ability to unlock defenses became the engine of the Revs' attack. He didn't just adapt to MLS; he elevated it, playing with a flair and consistency that earned him the league's MVP award in 2021. As captain, he led the Revolution to a record-breaking season that same year, shattering the points record. Gil redefined what a designated player could be in the American league: not a fading star, but a prime-age maestro whose artistry became the centerpiece of a team's identity and success.
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.
Carles was born in 1992, 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 Carles Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Carles's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
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
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the MLS Most Valuable Player award in 2021 while playing for the New England Revolution.
- Captained the New England Revolution to the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2021 with a league-record 73 points.
- Won the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award in 2020 after returning from a heel injury.
- Has been selected to the MLS Best XI multiple times, recognizing him as one of the league's top players.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Nacho Gil, is also a professional footballer who briefly played for the New England Revolution.
He won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain in 2011, alongside players like Thiago Alcântara and Isco.
Before his MVP season, he overcame a serious Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him for much of the 2020 season.
“The pass must arrive at the right foot at the right moment.”
