Chris Smalling
A commanding English defender who rose from non-league football to win major trophies at Manchester United and become a stalwart in Italy's Serie A.
Born 1989 (age 37)·English footballer·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Chris Smalling's path to the top was anything but conventional. While studying for his A-levels, he played for Maidstone United in the English non-league system, a world away from the Premier League spotlight. His raw talent caught the eye of Fulham, who signed him in 2008. Just two years later, his rapid development prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to bring him to Manchester United. At Old Trafford, he honed his game, combining physical strength and aerial dominance with improving technical skill. He won two Premier League titles and other major cups, often forming a formidable partnership. Seeking a new challenge, he moved to AS Roma on loan in 2019, a move that became permanent and revitalized his career. In Italy, nicknamed 'Smaldini' by adoring fans, he transformed into one of Serie A's most reliable and ball-playing centre-backs, proving his adaptability and enduring class.
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 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 Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Chris'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
- Won two English Premier League titles (2011, 2013) and the UEFA Europa League (2017) with Manchester United.
- Earned over 30 caps for the England national team between 2011 and 2017, including appearances at UEFA Euro 2016.
- Named to the 2019-20 Serie A Team of the Season following his standout first full year with AS Roma.
- Lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy with AS Roma in 2022, becoming a key leader in their defense.
Did You Know?
He was discovered playing for Maidstone United in the Isthmian League while still a student, having never been part of a professional academy.
He studied for A-levels in Business, Physical Education, and Design & Technology while playing non-league football.
His nickname at AS Roma, 'Smaldini,' is a portmanteau of his surname and Italian defensive legend Paolo Maldini.
He is married to Sam Cooke, a member of the British band M.O., and they have two children together.
“I went from non-league to Old Trafford in two years; that path stays with you.”
