David Button
A reliable and dedicated journeyman goalkeeper whose career is a testament to professionalism across every level of English football.
Born 1989 (age 37)·English footballer·Birthday: February 27·Millennials
Biography
David Button's story is one of steadfast readiness, a goalkeeper who built a long career on competence and a team-first attitude. Coming through Tottenham's academy, he embarked on a tour of English football, serving as a dependable number one for clubs like Brentford and Brighton, and a trusted backup at Fulham and West Brom. Button's value wasn't always in weekly headlines, but in his ability to step in without fuss when called upon, providing stability between the posts. His move to Ipswich Town in 2024 marked another chapter, bringing his top-flight experience to a club on the rise. In an era of specialization, Button represents the enduring worth of a solid, adaptable professional who understands his role perfectly.
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.
David 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 David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
David'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
- Played a key role in Brentford's 2013-14 League One promotion campaign, making over 40 appearances.
- Earned a move to the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2017.
- Was part of the Fulham squad that achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
- Made over 300 professional appearances across all tiers of the English football pyramid.
Did You Know?
He kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut for Brighton against West Ham United in 2017.
Button is an avid chess player and has spoken about how it helps his tactical thinking on the pitch.
He spent six years in Tottenham Hotspur's youth system before beginning his senior career elsewhere.
“My job is to be ready whenever called upon, to provide stability between the posts.”
