Cédric Soares
A versatile and experienced full-back who carved out a solid career across Europe, culminating in a memorable Euro 2016 victory with Portugal.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Portuguese footballer·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Cédric Soares represents the journeyman professional whose consistency and adaptability forged a lasting career at the highest levels. Born in Germany to Portuguese parents, his football education took root at Sporting CP's famed academy. He broke into their first team as a modern, attack-minded right-back, capable of delivering precise crosses. His performances earned him a move to the Premier League with Southampton, where he spent five seasons as a reliable starter in a team known for its defensive organization and player development. Cédric's career was punctuated by loan spells at Inter Milan and Arsenal, eventually signing permanently with the latter. While never a global superstar, his steady presence made him a valuable squad player for several top clubs. His greatest achievement, however, came in the red of Portugal. As part of Fernando Santos's pragmatic and resilient squad, Cédric contributed to Portugal's historic triumph at Euro 2016, a victory that defined a generation of Portuguese football.
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.
Cédric was born in 1991, 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 Cédric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Cédric's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
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 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the UEFA European Championship with Portugal in 2016.
- Lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal in 2019.
- Won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020, coming on as a substitute in the final.
- Made over 130 Premier League appearances across spells with Southampton and Arsenal.
Did You Know?
He was born in Singen, Germany, while his father was working there.
He is a dual citizen of Portugal and Germany.
He played alongside his cousin, midfielder Rúben Pinto, at Sporting CP's youth levels.
He scored his first and only Premier League goal for Southampton in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in 2016.
“A full-back's duty is to run until the referee blows the whistle.”
