Eren Derdiyok
A towering Swiss striker whose powerful aerial game and nomadic club career took him from Basel to the Bundesliga and beyond.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: June 12·Millennials
Biography
Born in Basel to Turkish-Kurdish parents, Eren Derdiyok announced himself as a formidable physical presence in Swiss football. His breakout at hometown club FC Basel was swift, marked by crucial goals in European competition. This led to a high-profile move to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany's top flight, where his combative style and knack for spectacular goals, including a famous backheel against Bayern Munich, cemented his reputation. His journey became a global football odyssey, with stints in Turkey, France, Israel, and even Uzbekistan, showcasing a career built on adaptability. For the Swiss national team, Derdiyok was a reliable option up front, contributing memorable moments like a goal in the historic 2010 World Cup victory over Spain.
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.
Eren was born in 1988, 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 Eren Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Eren's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Swiss Super League titles with FC Basel in 2008 and 2010.
- Scored on his senior international debut for Switzerland in 2008.
- Played in the UEFA Champions League for clubs in Switzerland, Germany, and Turkey.
- Represented Switzerland at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.
Did You Know?
He scored his first Bundesliga goal for Bayer Leverkusen with a backheel flick against Bayern Munich.
His father is of Turkish descent and his mother is of Kurdish descent.
He played club football in eight different countries across Europe and Asia.
“My height is a weapon, but you must know how to use it.”
