Deniss Rakels
A Latvian striker whose professional journey across European leagues embodies the gritty, determined path of a modern football journeyman.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Latvian footballer·Birthday: August 20·Millennials
Biography
Deniss Rakels signed for Reading in England's Championship in 2016, a career highpoint for the Latvian striker who built his professional path through persistence. He first played for Skonto Riga in his homeland before catching attention in Poland, where he spent the bulk of his career. A classic penalty-area striker, Rakels relied on positioning and finishing rather than flashy technique. His story tracks a professional athlete navigating the tiers of European football, representing his country along the way. From Latvia, a nation not known as a football powerhouse, his early move abroad proved necessary for opportunity.
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.
Deniss was born in 1992, 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 Deniss Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Deniss's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He was the top scorer for Polish club Cracovia during the 2014–15 Ekstraklasa season.
- Rakels earned a move to English club Reading FC in the Championship in January 2016.
- He made his senior debut for the Latvia national football team in 2014 and went on to earn multiple caps.
Did You Know?
Before focusing on football, he also played basketball as a youth.
His younger brother, Rihards, is also a professional footballer.
He scored on his debut for English side Reading in a Championship match against Fulham.
“I had to leave Latvia at sixteen to chase this career; you fight for every chance.”
