Chris Martin (footballer, born 1990)
An English goalkeeper whose professional journey was defined by perseverance across numerous clubs in the lower leagues.
Born 1990 (age 36)·English footballer·Birthday: July 21·Millennials
Biography
Chris Martin carved out a lengthy career as a footballing journeyman, a goalkeeper whose path wound through the often-unforgiving landscape of England's lower divisions. Born in 1990, he came through the academy at Norwich City but found his opportunities for a first-team breakthrough limited. This set the stage for a professional life built on loans and short-term contracts, a testament to his adaptability and durability. He pulled on the shirt for over a dozen clubs, from League Two to the Scottish Premiership, with notable spells at clubs like Oxford United and Motherwell. Martin's story isn't one of top-flight glamour, but of the gritty reality for many footballers: constant movement, proving yourself anew at each stop, and providing reliable service between the posts. His career offers a clear-eyed look at the life of a dedicated professional outside the spotlight of the Premier League.
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 1990, 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 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 100 professional appearances across a career spanning more than a decade.
- Played in the Scottish Premiership for Motherwell during the 2017-2018 season.
- Kept a clean sheet on his professional debut for Norwich City in a League Cup match in 2010.
Did You Know?
He is not to be confused with Chris Martin, the lead singer of the band Coldplay.
He played for six different clubs on loan before securing a permanent move away from Norwich City.
His final professional club was Kings Lynn Town in the National League.
“You earn your place between the posts every single training session.”
