Gonzalo Higuaín
A ruthless Argentine finisher whose career was defined by monumental goals for club and country, alongside navigating the immense pressure of high-stakes transfers.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: December 10·Millennials
Biography
Gonzalo Higuaín's story is one of sublime talent shadowed by intense scrutiny. Born into a football family in France, he chose to represent Argentina, the land of his father. His early years at Real Madrid revealed a striker of instinctive movement and cold-blooded finishing, capable of scoring in Clásicos and winning league titles. A then-record transfer to Napoli unlocked his most devastating form; there, under Maurizio Sarri, he became a folk hero, breaking a decades-old Serie A scoring record with 36 goals in a single season. Subsequent big-money moves to Juventus, AC Milan, and Chelsea brought more trophies but also criticism, often unfairly focused on missed chances in major finals for Argentina. Beyond the caricature of pressure, Higuaín's body of work is staggering: a winner of league titles in Spain and Italy, and a striker whose goal tally places him among the most effective of the 21st century.
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.
Gonzalo was born in 1987, 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 Gonzalo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Gonzalo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Broke the Serie A single-season scoring record with 36 goals for Napoli in the 2015-2016 campaign.
- Won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus (2017, 2018, 2019).
- Scored a decisive hat-trick for Argentina in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Peru to secure their place in South Africa.
Did You Know?
His brother, Federico Higuaín, also played professional football and was a teammate at Inter Miami.
He was born in Brest, France, and held French citizenship before choosing to play for Argentina.
The nickname 'Pipita' comes from his father, Jorge 'Pipa' Higuaín, who was also a professional footballer.
“I have always said that the Napoli fans are the best I have ever seen. They transmit a unique passion.”
