Emerson (footballer, born February 1986)
A Brazilian full-back whose relentless, attack-minded play became a fixture for top European clubs over a durable 15-year career at the highest level.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: February 23·Millennials
Biography
Emerson da Conceição, known simply as Emerson, emerged from the football-rich soil of Brazil as a modern full-back prototype: physically robust, technically sound, and endlessly energetic on the left flank. His career path took him straight to Europe as a young man, where he honed his game in Spain with Pontevedra before landing at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. It was in the Bundesliga that he truly blossomed, his powerful runs and defensive grit making him a fan favorite and a constant in Leverkusen's campaigns. A significant transfer to Roma in 2009 saw him become a stalwart in Serie A, where his consistency and experience helped anchor the defense for several seasons. While he never became a flashy global superstar, Emerson's value was in his week-in, week-out reliability and adaptability, traits that kept him performing at an elite level across Europe's major leagues well into his thirties.
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.
Emerson was born in 1986, 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 Emerson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Emerson's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
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
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 150 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen between 2006 and 2009.
- Played more than 100 Serie A matches for A.S. Roma from 2009 to 2014.
- Represented the Brazilian national team, earning several caps during the late 2000s.
Did You Know?
He is commonly referred to as 'Emerson da Conceição' or simply 'Emerson' to distinguish him from other footballers named Emerson.
He played for clubs in four different countries: Brazil, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
After leaving Roma, he had spells with clubs in Brazil and the United States before retiring.
“My job is to shut down my flank and join the attack when the moment is right.”
