Faris Haroun
A versatile and hard-running Belgian midfielder whose career was defined by loyalty and a decade of service to his hometown club.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Belgian footballer·Birthday: September 22·Millennials
Biography
Faris Haroun's story is one of hometown dedication wrapped in a professional career that took him across European leagues. The Antwerp-born midfielder, capable of playing both defensively and on the wing, was a product of the Germinal Beerschot academy. His engine and technical ability made him a fan favorite there, leading to a move to the French club FC Metz. After a season, he returned to Belgium with Club Brugge, where he enjoyed some of his most successful years, competing in European competitions. Haroun's resilience was tested with a move to England's Blackpool and later Middlesbrough, where he adapted to the Championship's physical demands. He ultimately returned to his roots, captaining Royal Antwerp and helping them climb back to the top flight, closing his career as a local leader.
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.
Faris was born in 1985, 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 Faris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Faris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
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
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned two caps for the Belgian national team, making his debut in a 2009 friendly against Qatar.
- Made over 150 appearances for Club Brugge, playing in both the UEFA Europa League and Champions League qualifiers.
- Captained Royal Antwerp, leading the club from the second division back to the Belgian Pro League.
- Won the Belgian Cup with Germinal Beerschot in the 2004–2005 season early in his career.
Did You Know?
He is of Comorian descent through his father.
His full name includes 'Dominguere Jenny,' which are family names.
He scored on his debut for the Belgian national team in that 2009 match against Qatar.
“I always played with my heart, especially when I wore the shirt of my hometown club.”
