Édgar Benítez
A dynamic Paraguayan winger whose blistering pace and crucial goals made him a fan favorite in Mexico and a World Cup representative.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Paraguayan footballer·Birthday: November 8·Millennials
Biography
Nicknamed 'Pájaro' (The Bird) for his speed, Édgar Benítez's football journey is a story of explosive wing play and international service. The Paraguayan attacker found his most significant club success in Mexico, where his direct running and powerful left foot became a trademark for teams like Pachuca and Toluca. Benítez was a key figure in Liga MX, known for scoring spectacular goals and providing a constant threat on the flank. His club form earned him a steady place in the Paraguayan national team, where he contributed during a golden generation that reached the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals and the 2011 Copa América final. His career embodies the classic South American export: technically gifted, emotionally expressive, and capable of deciding games in an instant.
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.
Édgar was born in 1987, 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 Édgar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Édgar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#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
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented Paraguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing in the team's historic run to the quarterfinals.
- Won the Liga MX championship with Club Pachuca in the 2016 Clausura tournament.
- Earned over 50 caps for the Paraguayan national team, scoring several crucial goals in World Cup qualifying.
Did You Know?
He holds dual citizenship in Paraguay and Mexico due to his long professional tenure in the country.
His nickname 'Pájaro' is shared with former Paraguayan football legend Juan Bautista Agüero.
He won the prestigious Milk Cup tournament with Paraguay's under-20 national team in 2006.
“You have to be brave and take people on, that's the only way to score.”
