Jefferson Lerma
A tenacious Colombian midfielder whose physical presence and tactical discipline have anchored defenses in both La Liga and the Premier League.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: October 25·Millennials
Biography
Jefferson Lerma built his reputation as the engine room enforcer you'd hate to play against but love to have on your side. Emerging from Colombia's Atlético Huila, his combative style caught the eye of Spanish side Levante, where he became a fixture in midfield, breaking up plays and distributing simply. His performances earned him a then-club-record move to AFC Bournemouth in England's Premier League in 2018. There, Lerma adapted his game, his relentless work rate and improving positional sense making him indispensable through promotion battles and top-flight survival fights. A regular for the Colombian national team since 2017, he brings the same uncompromising steel to the international stage. At Crystal Palace, he has evolved further, occasionally slotting into central defense, showcasing a versatility built on a foundation of pure grit and football intelligence.
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.
Jefferson was born in 1994, 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 Jefferson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jefferson's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Helped AFC Bournemouth achieve promotion to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season, playing a key role in midfield.
- Became AFC Bournemouth's record signing when he joined from Levante for a reported £25 million in 2018.
- Earned over 40 caps for the Colombian national team, representing them in Copa América tournaments.
- Played a crucial defensive role in Levante's successful 2017-18 La Liga campaign, which included a famous victory over Barcelona.
Did You Know?
He was sent off in his Premier League debut for Bournemouth against Cardiff City in 2018.
Lerma is known for his distinctive long hair, which he often wears in a ponytail during matches.
His middle name is Andrés.
Before his professional career in Colombia, he studied physical education at university.
“On the pitch, I fight for every ball as if it were the last.”
