Ebi Smolarek
A speedy and clever Polish striker who lit up the Eredivisie and became a key figure for the national team during a golden generation.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Polish footballer·Birthday: January 9·Millennials
Biography
Ebi Smolarek inherited football in his blood—his father, Włodzimierz, was a Polish star—and carved out his own distinct path. A product of Feyenoord's academy, he truly flourished in the Netherlands with Borussia Dortmund, where his pace, technical skill, and eye for goal made him a Bundesliga standout. His finest season in 2005-06 saw him form a devastating partnership, and his form earned him a central role for Poland. Smolarek was the attacking spark for the national team that co-hosted Euro 2012, their most successful period in decades. His club career later took him across Spain, England, and the Middle East, always valued for his intelligent movement. After retiring, he shifted to player advocacy, now heading the Polish footballers' union, protecting the interests of the next generation.
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.
Ebi was born in 1981, 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 Ebi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ebi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
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
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished as the Polish Ekstraklasa's top scorer in the 2017-18 season with Pogoń Szczecin.
- Won the Polish Footballer of the Year award in 2005 and 2006.
- Was a key player for Poland, scoring 20 international goals and representing them at UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012.
- Won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in the 1998-99 season early in his career.
Did You Know?
He is the son of Włodzimierz Smolarek, a legendary Polish winger who also played for Feyenoord.
He holds both Polish and Dutch citizenship.
He played for clubs in five different countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, England, and Qatar.
After retiring, he became the head of the Polish Union of Footballers (PZP).
“My father taught me that speed and technique must serve the team.”
