Diego Capel
A pacy Spanish winger whose career was defined by dazzling dribbles at Sevilla and a key role in Spain's golden youth system.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: February 16·Millennials
Biography
Diego Capel's story is one of pure, unadulterated wing play. A product of FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, he truly blossomed after moving to Sevilla FC in 2007. There, on the left flank of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, he became a fan favorite with his explosive acceleration, tight control, and a fearless approach to taking on defenders. Capel was a vital component of a Sevilla side that consistently challenged for European places, his direct style providing a constant outlet and creative spark. His talents were also recognized on the international stage, where he was a cornerstone of the Spanish U-21 team that won the European Championship in 2011, a squad brimming with future senior world champions. His later career saw him take his skills to clubs in Portugal, Belgium, and Andorra.
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.
Diego 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 Diego Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Diego'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
- He was a key member of the Spain U-21 squad that won the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
- He made over 150 appearances for Sevilla FC between 2007 and 2011, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
- He won the Belgian Cup in 2015 with Club Brugge.
- He earned two caps for the senior Spanish national team in 2012.
Did You Know?
His father, Francisco Capel, was also a professional footballer who played as a defender.
He made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona at the age of 17 in a Copa del Rey match.
After retiring, he returned to Sevilla to work within the club's youth academy structure.
He played alongside the likes of Jesús Navas and Frederic Kanouté during his peak years at Sevilla.
“On the wing, your only thought is to beat your man and cross.”
