Colin Kazim-Richards
A nomadic striker whose fiery passion and powerful physique took him on a remarkable footballing odyssey across twelve countries and four continents.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Turkish footballer·Birthday: August 26·Millennials
Biography
Colin Kazim-Richards built one of modern football's most unexpected and well-traveled careers. Born in London to a Turkish Cypriot mother and Antiguan father, his early promise at Bury and Brighton was overshadowed by a big-money move to Sheffield United that didn't pan out. What followed was a footballing pilgrimage: from Brazil to Turkey, Scotland to the Netherlands, Mexico to Colombia. He wasn't a prolific scorer, but his strength, hold-up play, and fierce competitive spirit made him a valuable asset. His emotional connection to his mother's heritage led him to represent Turkey, earning over 30 caps. Kazim-Richards became a cult hero at nearly every stop, most notably helping Feyenoord win the Eredivisie in 2017. His journey, defined by adaptability and resilience, concluded with a surprise move into management with Crawley Town.
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.
Colin was born in 1986, 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 Colin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Colin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
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
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in 2017, playing a key rotational role as a physical forward.
- Earned 37 caps for the Turkey national team, scoring two goals, after electing to represent his maternal heritage.
- Played professional club football in 12 different countries across Europe, South America, and North America.
- Helped Corinthians win the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2011 during his stint in Brazil.
Did You Know?
He is nicknamed 'The Coca-Cola Kid' in Turkey because he was signed by Fenerbahçe after winning a talent competition sponsored by the beverage company.
He played for the Turkish Super Lig's 'big three' clubs: Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Beşiktaş.
He once celebrated a goal for Bury by drinking a can of Coca-Cola on the pitch, referencing the competition that started his professional journey.
“I've played everywhere, and every club taught me something new about the fight.”
