Carlos Soler
A versatile Spanish midfielder whose intelligent play and penalty-box prowess defined a trophy-laden era at Valencia before a high-profile move.
Born 1997 (age 29)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: January 2·Generation Z
Biography
Carlos Soler is the embodiment of a modern, technically gifted midfielder, a product of Valencia's famed academy who became a symbol of stability during a turbulent period for the club. Breaking into the first team as a teenager, he quickly established himself not just as a metronomic presence in midfield, but as a surprisingly prolific goal threat, particularly from the penalty spot. His calm demeanor and precise passing belied a fierce competitive streak, making him a cornerstone for Valencia during their 2019 Copa del Rey triumph. Soler's development into a complete midfielder, capable of dictating tempo and arriving late in the box, earned him a regular spot in the Spanish national team setup. His 2022 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, followed by a move to Real Sociedad, marked the next chapter for a player whose game is built on intelligence and consistency rather than flash, securing his place among Spain's reliable midfield talents.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Carlos was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Carlos Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Carlos's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
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
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
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
2013Could drive
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
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019, scoring in the final against Barcelona.
- Scored a hat-trick of penalties for Valencia in a 3-3 La Liga draw against Getafe in 2021.
- Made his debut for the Spanish national team in 2021 and was part of their squad for UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Finished as Valencia's top scorer in the 2021-22 La Liga season with 11 goals, primarily from midfield.
Did You Know?
He holds a degree in Business Administration from Valencia's CEU Cardenal Herrera University.
He scored his first professional hat-trick entirely from penalty kicks.
He made his Champions League debut for Valencia against Juventus at the age of 19.
His younger brother, Toni, is also a professional footballer.
“My job is to control the rhythm, to connect the play from the first minute to the last.”
