Edinson Cavani
A relentless Uruguayan striker whose predatory instincts and tireless work rate made him a feared competitor across Europe's top leagues.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Uruguayan footballer·Birthday: February 14·Millennials
Biography
Born in Salto, Uruguay, Edinson Cavani's journey from the humble pitches of Danubio to the world's grandest stadiums is a testament to sheer force of will. His professional breakthrough came at Palermo in Italy, but it was at Napoli where he truly exploded, becoming a Serie A sensation whose powerful, all-action style earned him the nickname 'El Matador.' A big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain followed, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer, a record that stood for years, and formed a devastating attacking trio. Later chapters saw him bring his unique brand of intelligent movement and selfless running to the Premier League and La Liga. For Uruguay, he has been a pillar of a golden generation, forming a legendary strike partnership and competing in multiple World Cups with characteristic grit.
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.
Edinson 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 Edinson 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
Edinson'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
- Became Paris Saint-Germain's all-time leading goalscorer with 200 goals, a record later broken by Kylian Mbappé.
- Won six Ligue 1 titles and five Coupe de France trophies during his tenure with Paris Saint-Germain.
- Captured the Copa América with the Uruguayan national team in 2011.
- Scored 138 goals in all competitions across seven seasons for Napoli, cementing his status as a Serie A star.
Did You Know?
He is known for his devout Christian faith and often points to the sky after scoring a goal.
Cavani's trademark goal celebration, pulling an imaginary bow and arrow, was inspired by his hunter father.
Before big games, he reportedly eats the same meal: a large plate of pasta with a specific cut of steak.
He turned down more lucrative offers to join Manchester United in 2020, stating the sporting project was his primary motivation.
“I always say that the best goal is the next one. That's the mentality you must have.”
