Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu
A tenacious Ghanaian midfielder whose career-defining goal secured a historic African Cup of Nations victory for his country.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Ghanaian footballer·Birthday: December 2·Millennials
Biography
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu carved out a reputation as the relentless engine room of Ghana's golden generation. Emerging from the famed Asante Kotoko academy, his combative style and boundless energy quickly made him a fan favorite. His moment of immortality came in 2009, as a teenager, when he coolly converted the winning penalty in a shootout to deliver Ghana its first U-20 World Cup title. That steeliness defined his senior career, most notably with Udinese in Italy's Serie A, where he spent nearly a decade as a dependable midfield destroyer. For the Black Stars, Badu was a fixture, contributing to a period of deep tournament runs, including helping Ghana finish as runners-up in the 2010 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. His career was a testament to consistency, grit, and a single, unforgettable kick that lifted a nation.
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.
Emmanuel was born in 1990, 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 Emmanuel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Emmanuel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the decisive penalty to win the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup for Ghana, the country's first world title at any level.
- Earned over 75 caps for the Ghana national team, playing in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Played over 150 Serie A matches for Udinese, establishing himself as a mainstay in one of Europe's top leagues for nearly a decade.
- Won the Ghana Premier League title with Asante Kotoko in the 2007-08 season before moving to Europe.
Did You Know?
He was named the Best Player of the 2009 African U-20 Championship, which Ghana also won.
His goal celebration often involved a distinctive shoulder-shimmy dance move.
He missed the 2010 World Cup quarter-final due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the tournament.
“The ball is round, so you have to fight for it every single time.”
