Jan Vertonghen
A cerebral and composed Belgian defender whose elegant left foot anchored defenses for Ajax, Tottenham, and his national team for over a decade.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Belgian footballer·Birthday: April 24·Millennials
Biography
Jan Vertonghen's career is a masterclass in defensive intelligence and sustained excellence at the highest level. He honed his craft at Ajax's famed academy, becoming a pillar of the Amsterdam side that won two Eredivisie titles. His 2012 move to Tottenham Hotspur saw him instantly become a fan favorite; his calm distribution, tactical versatility, and knack for crucial goals defined the club's rise under Mauricio Pochettino. Vertonghen formed one of the Premier League's most formidable center-back partnerships with Toby Alderweireld, a bond forged in the Belgian national team. With over 140 caps for the Red Devils, he was a cornerstone of their 'Golden Generation,' starting in their run to third place at the 2018 World Cup. His game, built more on anticipation than brute force, allowed him to compete at the elite level well into his thirties.
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.
Jan 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 Jan 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
Jan'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
- Earned 147 caps for Belgium, playing a key role in their third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Won the Eredivisie title twice with Ajax Amsterdam and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2012.
- Selected to the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the 2012–13 season, his first in England.
- Played in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final with Tottenham Hotspur.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in Dutch, French, English, and German.
His father was a professional volleyball player in Belgium.
He scored a memorable 90th-minute winner against Borussia Dortmund in the 2016 Europa League.
He holds the record for the most appearances by a Belgian player in the English Premier League.
“I always try to play with a smile on my face. That’s the most important thing.”
