Jonathan Soriano
A late-blooming goal machine who shattered records in Austria after finding his ruthless scoring touch away from Spain's top flight.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Spanish professional footballer·Birthday: September 24·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan Soriano's story is one of perseverance and explosive reinvention. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, his early career was marked by high expectations and sporadic chances, including a brief stint with the senior Barça team. His true destiny unfolded after leaving Spain. At Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, he transformed into one of Europe's most prolific strikers, terrorizing defenses with a vicious left foot and predatory instinct. He didn't just score; he dominated, breaking the Austrian Bundesliga's single-season scoring record and leading Salzburg to multiple titles. Though his time with the Spanish national team was brief, Soriano's legacy is that of a pure finisher who found his perfect stage and rewrote the record books.
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 1985, 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 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the Austrian Bundesliga single-season scoring record with 31 goals in the 2016-2017 campaign.
- Won four consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles with Red Bull Salzburg from 2014 to 2017.
- Finished as the UEFA Europa League top scorer for the 2013-2014 season.
- Scored over 120 league goals in just over 150 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg.
Did You Know?
He won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain in 2002, alongside players like Andrés Iniesta.
He played only seven minutes in his official debut for FC Barcelona's first team.
After leaving Europe, he had a successful stint in China with Beijing Sinobo Guoan, scoring frequently.
His son, Ian Soriano, is also a footballer in Barcelona's youth academy.
“Goals are the only answer when people doubt your quality.”
