José Ángel (footballer, born September 1989)
A steady and technical left-back who carved out a solid decade-long career in Spain's top football division.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: September 5·Millennials
Biography
José Ángel Valdés Díaz, known simply as José Ángel or by the nickname Cote, emerged from Sporting Gijón's youth academy to become a fixture in La Liga. His game was defined more by reliable defensive positioning and crisp passing than flashy overlaps, a classic modern full-back who prioritized structure. His move to Roma in 2011 marked a bold step into Serie A, though his most consistent years were spent back in Spain with Real Sociedad, where he contributed to their rise as a European competition regular. A player's career isn't always about trophies; for José Ángel, it was about sustained top-flight competence, amassing over 200 La Liga appearances through quiet, consistent effectiveness on the flank before retiring in his early 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.
José was born in 1989, 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 José Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
José's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
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
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 150 appearances for Sporting Gijón, his boyhood club, helping them achieve promotion to and maintain status in La Liga.
- Played 74 matches for Real Sociedad across four seasons, aiding their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
- Earned a transfer to Italian Serie A side A.S. Roma in 2011.
- Represented Spain at every youth level from U-16 through U-21.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Cote' is commonly used in Asturias, the region of Spain where he was born.
He made his La Liga debut for Sporting Gijón at the age of 18.
He only ever received one red card in his entire professional club career in Spain and Italy.
“My job is to defend our goal first, to be a solid and reliable option for my team.”
