Emre Can
A physically imposing and versatile German midfielder whose leadership and tactical flexibility have made him a captain for club and country.
Born 1994 (age 32)·German footballer·Birthday: January 12·Millennials
Biography
Emre Can's football is defined by a robust, all-action style and a remarkable adaptability. A product of the Bayern Munich academy, he sought first-team football early, making a name for himself at Bayer Leverkusen before a move to Liverpool. Under Jürgen Klopp, he flourished as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, scoring spectacular goals and demonstrating a fierce competitive streak. A free transfer to Juventus brought Serie A titles, but it was at Borussia Dortmund where he found his ultimate niche. Transitioning into a commanding centre-back and defensive midfielder, his intelligence and vocal presence saw him named club captain. For Germany, he has been a reliable squad pillar, contributing to Confederations Cup and Nations League successes. Can's career arc shows a player constantly refining his game to meet the highest demands.
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.
Emre was born in 1994, 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 Emre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Emre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, being appointed to the role in 2023.
- Won the Serie A title twice with Juventus during his tenure in Italy.
- Scored a famous overhead kick goal for Liverpool against Watford, which was voted the Premier League's Goal of the Month for December 2017.
- Won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with the Germany national team.
Did You Know?
He is of Turkish descent and was eligible to play for Turkey but chose to represent Germany.
Can holds both German and Turkish citizenship.
He played for Bayern Munich's first team but made only a handful of appearances before seeking a transfer.
His first name, Emre, is a common Turkish name meaning 'brother' or 'friend.'
“I always want to play, that is the most important thing for me.”
