Éver Banega
An Argentine playmaker of velvet touch and daring vision, whose passing range made him the metronome for clubs and country.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: June 29·Millennials
Biography
Éver Banega is the archetypal Argentine *enganche*, a number 10 with the soul of a deep-lying quarterback. His career was a dance between breathtaking talent and mercurial temperament. Spotted by Boca Juniors, he found his footing in Spain with Valencia, where his elegant left foot and penchant for the spectacular pass made him a fan favorite. Stints at Inter Milan and Sevilla followed, with his second spell at the latter defining his legacy; there, he became the orchestrator of a Europa League-winning side, his partnership with Steven N'Zonzi forming a perfect blend of silk and steel. A key figure in Argentina's runs to three major tournament finals, Banega's late-career return to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys and Defensa y Justicia showcased a master still in command of the game's tempo.
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.
Éver 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 Éver Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Éver'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 three UEFA Europa League titles with Sevilla (2015, 2016, 2020), starting in two of those finals.
- Played a pivotal role in Argentina's midfield in the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa América, and 2016 Copa América finals.
- Named to the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season for his performances with Sevilla.
Did You Know?
He famously assisted Angel Di Maria's winning goal in the 2008 Olympic gold medal match for Argentina.
Banega survived a serious car accident in 2014 where his car ran over his own leg, causing a fracture.
He has a large tattoo of Diego Maradona's face on his left leg.
He began his professional career playing as a central defender in the Boca Juniors youth system.
“The ball is the only thing that needs to run; the player must walk.”
