Elano
A Brazilian midfield artist whose elegant free-kicks and creative vision made him a fan favorite in England, Ukraine, and his homeland.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: June 14·Millennials
Biography
Elano Blumer's journey from the futsal courts of Brazil to the world's biggest football stages is a story of refined skill meeting relentless drive. Emerging from Santos's famed academy, he honed a style marked by precise passing and deadly set-piece accuracy. His move to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2004 announced his talent to Europe, but it was at Manchester City where he became a cult hero, orchestrating attacks with a calm brilliance during a transformative period for the club. Later spells with Galatasaray and a return to Santos showcased his enduring class. After hanging up his boots, Elano transitioned smoothly into coaching, aiming to impart his sophisticated understanding of the game to the next generation at his boyhood club, embodying the cycle of Brazilian football heritage.
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.
Elano 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 Elano Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Elano'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
- Scored 14 goals in his debut Premier League season for Manchester City, becoming a key offensive force.
- Won multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles and the UEFA Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk.
- Earned 50 caps for the Brazilian national team, contributing to their 2007 Copa América triumph.
- Served as the designated free-kick and penalty taker for several top clubs, renowned for his conversion rate.
Did You Know?
His full surname is Blumer, but he is universally known simply by his first name, Elano.
He is a devout Protestant and has spoken openly about his faith influencing his life and career.
Before his professional football career, he worked in a factory to help support his family.
He scored a stunning 25-yard free-kick on his Manchester City debut against West Ham United.
“The free kick is a conversation between the ball and the goal.”
