Jonathan de Guzmán
A technically gifted Dutch midfielder who carved out a solid European career, known for his set-piece prowess and representing the Netherlands on the international stage.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Dutch association football player·Birthday: September 13·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan de Guzmán's career is a story of technical refinement and international choice. Born in Canada to Filipino parents and raised in the Netherlands from a young age, he was a standout in Feyenoord's famed youth academy, where his left foot and vision from midfield quickly marked him as a special talent. His club journey saw him succeed in the Eredivisie, the Premier League with Swansea City—where he was instrumental in their 2013 League Cup win—and in Italy with Napoli. Despite being eligible for several nations, he chose to represent the Netherlands, earning caps and playing in the 2014 World Cup. Later career moves brought him back to the Eredivisie, where his experience and skill remained valuable, embodying the path of a modern, well-traveled European professional.
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.
Jonathan 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 Jonathan 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
Jonathan'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
- Won the English League Cup with Swansea City in 2013, scoring in the semi-final.
- Represented the Netherlands at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
- Was a key player for Eredivisie side Feyenoord, making over 100 appearances and winning the KNVB Cup in 2008.
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of fellow professional footballer Julian de Guzmán.
He was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
He was named the Eredivisie Talent of the Year for the 2007–08 season.
He holds a Filipino passport alongside his Dutch citizenship.
“I chose Oranje; it was where my football heart was formed.”
