Charlison Benschop
A journeyman striker with a powerful physical presence, he has carved out a long career across European leagues while proudly representing Curaçao on the international stage.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Professional footballer·Birthday: August 21·Millennials
Biography
Charlison Benschop's football journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Born in the Netherlands with Curaçaoan heritage, the tall, imposing forward has never been a household name, but has been a reliable goal-threat for a string of clubs across Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece. His career path is a map of European football's second and third tiers, where he consistently used his strength and aerial ability to make an impact. While club success has been modest, his commitment to the Curaçao national team has been a defining chapter, allowing him to contribute to the island's rise as a competitive force in CONCACAF, offering a different kind of fulfillment alongside his club travels.
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.
Charlison was born in 1989, 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 Charlison Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Charlison's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
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
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned over 30 caps for the Curaçao national football team since his debut.
- Scored crucial goals in the UEFA Europa League qualifying stages while playing for FC Groningen.
- Helped Fortuna Düsseldorf achieve promotion to the 2. Bundesliga during the 2017-2018 season.
Did You Know?
He was born in Willemstad, Curaçao, but moved to the Netherlands at a young age.
He played for ten different professional clubs across four countries by the age of 35.
His younger brother, Jearl, is also a professional footballer.
“I've scored goals in every league I've played in; that's my contribution.”
