Cuco Martina
A versatile Curaçaoan defender whose journeyman career included a stunning long-range goal on his Premier League debut.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Footballer·Birthday: September 25·Millennials
Biography
Rhuendly 'Cuco' Martina's professional path is that of a determined utility player, carving out a solid career across multiple European leagues. Born in Rotterdam to Curaçaoan parents, he came through the Feyenoord academy before making his name in the Eredivisie with Twente and later in England. His moment of global fame arrived unexpectedly in 2015. Signed by Southampton, he was thrust into the starting lineup for a Boxing Day match against Arsenal and responded with a spectacular, swerving 25-yard strike that became an instant Premier League highlight. That goal epitomized his confident, adventurous style as a full-back. While he never became a permanent star at the highest level, he enjoyed spells at Everton, Stoke City, and in Saudi Arabia, all while serving as a stalwart for the Curaçao national team, for whom he has earned numerous caps as a defensive leader.
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.
Cuco 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 Cuco Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Cuco'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
- Scored a memorable 25-yard goal on his Premier League debut for Southampton against Arsenal in December 2015.
- Earned over 50 caps for the Curaçao national team, serving as a key defender.
- Won the KNVB Cup with FC Twente in the 2010-2011 season.
- Played in the UEFA Europa League for both FC Twente and Southampton.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Cuco' comes from his childhood, though the exact origin isn't publicly documented.
He is cousins with former Netherlands and Feyenoord winger Eljero Elia.
He played every minute of Curaçao's historic run to the quarter-finals of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
“I am always ready to play wherever the manager needs me.”
