Jackson Martínez
A powerful striker whose thunderous left foot and aerial prowess made him a feared goal-scorer across three continents.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: October 3·Millennials
Biography
Jackson Martínez emerged from the small Colombian town of Quibdó, his raw power and finishing instinct setting him apart early. His career became a global tour of goal-scoring, first dominating in Mexico with Jaguares and later with Porto in Portugal, where he became a league champion and a constant threat in European competition. A big-money move to Atlético Madrid in 2015 promised a crowning achievement, but was derailed by a persistent ankle injury that ultimately forced his premature retirement. Despite that abrupt end, his legacy is one of a pure, explosive number nine who delivered consistent brilliance for club and country, including memorable moments in Colombia's historic 2014 World Cup run.
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.
Jackson was born in 1986, 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 Jackson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jackson's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
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
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Portuguese Primeira Liga's top scorer award (Bola de Prata) in the 2014–15 season with Porto.
- Scored over 90 goals in 140 appearances across all competitions during his three seasons with FC Porto.
- Helped Colombia reach the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals in the tournament.
- Won three consecutive Portuguese Primeira Liga titles with FC Porto from 2013 to 2015.
- Named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year for the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons.
Did You Know?
His nickname is 'Cha Cha Cha', reportedly given by a commentator due to his rhythmic playing style.
He scored a hat-trick on his debut for Mexican club Jaguares de Chiapas in 2010.
Before focusing on football, he worked as a bus driver's assistant in his youth to help support his family.
He is a devout Christian and has religious tattoos, including one that reads 'God is Love'.
After retirement, he became a businessman and owns a chain of gyms in Colombia called 'BodyTech'.
“The goal is the only thing I see when the ball comes into the box.”
