Chris Cohen (footballer)
A fiercely loyal one-club midfielder for Nottingham Forest whose career was defined by resilience in the face of brutal injuries.
Born 1987 (age 39)·English footballer·Birthday: March 5·Millennials
Biography
Chris Cohen's story is one of unwavering commitment and heartbreaking physical setbacks. A talented, combative central midfielder, he joined Nottingham Forest in 2007 and quickly became the team's heartbeat, known for his relentless energy and leadership. Just as he was hitting his peak, a series of three major knee injuries—each requiring reconstruction—robbed him of nearly four consecutive seasons. His relentless comebacks earned him immense respect, and he eventually captained the side, embodying the club's spirit. After over 300 appearances across a decade, he retired as a player and seamlessly moved into coaching, taking his intelligence and determination to the touchline. For Forest fans, he remains a symbol of perseverance, a player whose value was measured in grit as much as skill.
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.
Chris was born in 1987, 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 Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 300 appearances for Nottingham Forest across all competitions, serving as club captain.
- Won the club's Player of the Season award twice, in 2010-11 and 2012-13, despite his injury struggles.
- Successfully transitioned to coaching after retirement, becoming assistant head coach at Lincoln City.
Did You Know?
He began his career at West Ham United's famed academy alongside players like Mark Noble and James Tomkins.
His father, former footballer Paul Cohen, was a director at Yeovil Town during Chris's early career there.
He suffered three separate ACL injuries to the same knee, a rare and devastating sequence for any athlete.
“This club is in my heart; I'll always be a Forest player.”
