Denis Zakaria
A Swiss midfield engine whose powerful, ball-winning presence has anchored top European clubs and his national team's spine.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: November 20·Millennials
Biography
Denis Zakaria was born in Geneva to South Sudanese parents, a background that shaped his athletic physique and resilient mindset. His football journey began at Servette FC, but it was at Borussia Mönchengladbach where he truly announced himself to the Bundesliga. Standing at 6'3", Zakaria combined a formidable physical presence with surprising technical grace, breaking up opposition play and launching attacks with his long, driving strides. His performances in Germany earned him a high-profile move to Juventus, and later to the Premier League with Chelsea, before settling at AS Monaco. For Switzerland, he has been a consistent fixture, providing steel in midfield during major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. His career trajectory mirrors that of a modern defensive midfielder, valued for his ability to dominate spaces and transition play instantly.
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.
Denis was born in 1996, 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 Denis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Denis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 100 appearances for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga, establishing himself as a premier defensive midfielder.
- Earned a transfer to Italian giants Juventus in January 2022, showcasing his value at the highest club level.
- Has been a regular starter for the Swiss national team in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups.
- Won the Swiss Super League title with BSC Young Boys in the 2017-18 season before his move to Germany.
Did You Know?
He holds both Swiss and South Sudanese citizenship.
His father was a footballer who played in South Sudan before the family moved to Switzerland.
Zakaria speaks four languages: French, German, English, and Arabic.
He made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2016, just days after his 20th birthday.
“My strength is to win the ball and start the attack.”
