Gyasi Zardes
A relentless American forward whose hard-running style and nose for goal made him a consistent force in MLS and for the national team.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American soccer player·Birthday: September 2·Millennials
Biography
Gyasi Zardes's path to professional soccer was unconventional, bypassing the typical academy route to shine at Cal State Bakersfield before being drafted by the LA Galaxy. His raw athleticism and tireless work ethic were molded under Bruce Arena, transforming him from a project into a potent goal threat. Zardes's breakout 2014 season, where he scored 16 goals, announced his arrival and earned him a regular spot with the US Men's National Team. After a stint with the Columbus Crew, where he won the MLS Cup in 2020, he became a key figure for the Colorado Rapids. His story is one of continuous evolution, a player who maximized his physical gifts through dedication to become a mainstay for both club and country for nearly a decade.
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.
Gyasi was born in 1991, 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 Gyasi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Gyasi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the MLS Cup in 2014 with the LA Galaxy and again in 2020 with the Columbus Crew.
- Scored 16 goals in the 2014 MLS season, finishing as the league's third-highest scorer.
- Earned over 65 caps for the United States Men's National Team, scoring important goals in World Cup qualifying.
Did You Know?
He played as a right-back during his rookie season with the LA Galaxy before being converted to forward.
Zardes is a devout Christian and has a tattoo of a cross on his arm.
He and his wife, Madison, have three children, all with names starting with 'G' (Gavin, Gisele, and Grace).
“I just try to be a sponge and absorb as much information as I can.”
