Jonathan Pitroipa
A dazzling winger whose electrifying pace and skill propelled Burkina Faso to its first major football final in 2013.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Burkinabè footballer·Birthday: April 12·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan Pitroipa was the human spark plug for the Burkina Faso national team during its golden era. With his slight frame, blistering acceleration, and ability to glide past defenders, he became the focal point of the Stallions' attack. His club career took him across Europe, from Germany to France and the Middle East, where he was valued for his direct wing play. But his defining moments came in the burnt orange of his nation. At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Pitroipa was unstoppable, driving Burkina Faso to a historic first-ever final. He was named the tournament's best player, a symbol of a small footballing nation's giant ambition. Though the final ended in defeat, his performances cemented his status as one of Burkina Faso's greatest ever players.
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 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 Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jonathan'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
- Named the Best Player of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, leading Burkina Faso to the final.
- Played a key role in SC Freiburg's surprise 3rd-place finish in the Bundesliga during the 2012-13 season.
- Earned over 80 caps for the Burkina Faso national team, scoring 19 goals.
- Won the UAE President's Cup with Al-Jazira Club in 2016.
- Played professionally in four different countries: Germany, France, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Did You Know?
He was born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, but holds a Beninese middle name, 'Beninwende'.
He was controversially suspended for the 2013 AFCON final due to a second yellow card, which was later rescinded.
He began his professional career at Planète Champion in Burkina Faso before moving to Europe.
“My speed is my weapon; I trust my legs.”
