Hal Robson-Kanu
A Welsh forward who etched his name into football folklore with an unforgettable, physics-defying turn and finish at the European Championships.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Wales international footballer·Birthday: May 21·Millennials
Biography
Hal Robson-Kanu's career is a testament to persistence and the power of a single, immortal moment. A product of the Arsenal academy, he spent the bulk of his club career with Reading, becoming a dependable and hard-working forward known for his physicality. His legacy, however, is forever tied to the Welsh national team and the summer of 2016. Having chosen to represent Wales through his grandmother, he became a key figure in their historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals. In the quarter-final against Belgium, with the score level, he received the ball in the box, executed a stunning 'Cruyff turn' that left two defenders bewildered, and fired Wales into the lead. The 'Robson-Kanu turn' became an instant classic, a symbol of Welsh defiance and the tournament's magic. He later helped Wales qualify for Euro 2020, cementing his status as a cult hero before retiring to pursue business ventures.
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.
Hal was born in 1989, 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 Hal Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Hal's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the iconic winning goal against Belgium in the UEFA Euro 2016 quarter-final, sending Wales to their first major tournament semi-final.
- Represented Wales at two European Championships (2016 and 2020), earning 46 caps.
- Played over 200 games for Reading FC, including in the Premier League, and scored in their 2017 Championship play-off final victory.
Did You Know?
He founded a successful sports beverage company, The Turmeric Co., after his retirement from football.
He was eligible to play for England, Scotland, and Nigeria through family heritage but chose Wales.
His goal against Belgium was only his second international goal at the time.
“That turn in Bordeaux wasn't planned; it was just pure instinct in the moment.”
