David Ospina
A Colombian shot-stopper whose acrobatic saves and cool leadership anchored his national team through its most successful era.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Born in Itagüí, Colombia, David Ospina's path to the goalmouth began early, his talent evident in the youth ranks of Atlético Nacional. His professional debut for the club at just 17 marked the start of a career defined by sharp reflexes and a commanding presence in the box. A move to Europe saw him become a stalwart for Nice in France before a high-profile transfer to Arsenal, where he provided crucial depth and won FA Cups. For Colombia, Ospina has been a constant, earning over 120 caps and serving as the last line of defense during the nation's golden generation, including their historic run to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals. His career has come full circle, returning to captain Atlético Nacional with the seasoned calm of a goalkeeper who has seen it all.
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 1988, 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 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned over 120 international caps for Colombia, ranking among their most-capped players.
- Won the FA Cup twice with Arsenal in 2015 and 2017.
- Was Colombia's starting goalkeeper in their run to the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
- Helped Porto secure a domestic double (Primeira Liga and Taça de Portugal) in the 2017-18 season.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of another Colombian international footballer, Camilo Zúñiga.
Ospina stands at 6 feet tall, which is considered relatively short for a modern elite goalkeeper.
He made his senior debut for Atlético Nacional in 2005, the same year the club was relegated for the only time in its history.
“My job is simple: stop the ball from going into the net.”
