Emiliano Buendía
An Argentine playmaker with a magician's touch, whose vision and creativity unlock defenses for Aston Villa and his national team.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: December 25·Millennials
Biography
Emiliano Buendía's footballing story is one of perseverance and refined technique. Hailing from Mar del Plata, he cut his teeth in the famed Getafe academy in Spain before being spotted by Real Madrid. His path to the top, however, was carved elsewhere. A transformative loan to Cultural Leonesa showcased his playmaking genius, leading to a permanent move to Norwich City. In England, he became the Championship's most productive creator, orchestrating Norwich's promotion and proving his mettle in the Premier League. His performances convinced Aston Villa to break their transfer record for him in 2021. At Villa, his intelligence and precise passing fuel the attack, a role that eventually earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Argentine national team, where he adds depth to a squad of stars.
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.
Emiliano was born in 1996, 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 Emiliano Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Emiliano's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#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
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the EFL Championship Player of the Season award in 2021 while at Norwich City.
- Provided a league-high 16 assists in the 2020-21 Championship season, driving Norwich to promotion.
- Became Aston Villa's record signing when he joined from Norwich City in June 2021.
- Made his senior debut for the Argentina national team in 2022 after years of consistent club performance.
Did You Know?
He holds a Spanish passport, having moved to Spain as a child, which aided his early career in Europe.
Buendía was part of the same Real Madrid youth team as current stars like Marco Asensio.
His middle name is 'Stati', which is his mother's maiden name.
“I always try to play with joy, to make the last pass, to create something.”
