Dani Osvaldo
A mercurial Argentine-Italian striker whose technical flair and volatile temperament made him a fascinating and unpredictable talent.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Footballer·Birthday: January 12·Millennials
Biography
Dani Osvaldo's football career was a series of bright flashes and sudden storms. Born in Argentina, he moved to Italy as a teenager, his technical grace and powerful left foot marking him as a special prospect. He possessed the classic number nine's instinct for goal, complemented by a striker's vanity—he was capable of spectacular volleys and audacious chips. This talent earned him big moves to clubs like Roma, Juventus, and Southampton, and even a handful of caps for the Italian national team. Yet, his time at each club was often defined by conflict with managers, teammates, and the media. After a controversial stint in England, his passion seemed to shift. He retired surprisingly early to pursue music, fronting a rock band with genuine commitment. Osvaldo's story is one of unfulfilled potential on the pitch, but also of a man who walked away from the sport on his own terms to chase a different kind of creativity.
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.
Dani 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 Dani Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dani'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 Serie A title with Juventus in the 2013-14 season.
- Scored a spectacular backheel volley for Southampton against Newcastle United, which won the BBC's Goal of the Season award in 2013.
- Earned 14 caps for the Italian national team, scoring four goals between 2011 and 2014.
Did You Know?
After retiring from football, he became the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band 'Barrio Viejo.'
Osvaldo has Argentine and Italian citizenship, having moved to Italy at age 16.
He got into a physical training-ground fight with teammate Erik Lamela while both were at Roma.
He is known for his distinctive tattoos and rockstar aesthetic.
“I play football to express myself, not to follow someone else's script.”
