Georginio Wijnaldum
A versatile and intelligent midfielder whose crucial goals for Liverpool, including a historic Champions League comeback, cemented his place in Dutch football lore.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Dutch footballer·Birthday: November 11·Millennials
Biography
Georginio Wijnaldum's career is a study in quiet effectiveness and monumental moments. Rising through the Feyenoord academy, he became their youngest-ever captain before showcasing his box-to-box dynamism in the Eredivisie and later the Premier League. At Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, he transformed into a tactical chameleon, capable of controlling games or appearing as a ghost in the box to score vital goals. His brace against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final, a cornerstone of an unforgettable Anfield comeback, is etched in football history. A stalwart for the Netherlands, he served as a vice-captain and key scorer in their run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, proving his class extends far beyond a single magical night.
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.
Georginio 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 Georginio Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Georginio'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 two goals in Liverpool's legendary 4-0 comeback against Barcelona to secure the 2019 UEFA Champions League final berth.
- Won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles with Liverpool in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
- Was the Netherlands' top scorer in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with 8 goals.
Did You Know?
He is cousins with fellow Dutch professional footballer Royston Drenthe.
His first name, Georginio, is a portmanteau of his grandfather's names, George and Genio.
He published an autobiography titled 'My Story' at the age of 22.
“I’m not the player who is going to make the crazy dribbles, but I am the player who is going to try to make the team play good football.”
