José Enrique (footballer, born 1986)
A powerful and adventurous Spanish left-back whose marauding runs down the flank fueled successful spells at Newcastle and Liverpool.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: January 23·Millennials
Biography
José Enrique's career was built on explosive athleticism and an attacking verve that made him a modern full-back before the role was fully defined. After breaking through at Levante and Villarreal, he found a perfect home in the passionate atmosphere of Newcastle United, where his robust defending and willingness to surge forward made him a fan favorite. His performances on Tyneside earned him a move to Liverpool, where he became a key component of the team that nearly won the Premier League in 2014, forming a potent left-side partnership with Luis Suárez. Injuries eventually curtailed his peak, but at his best, Enrique was a formidable one-on-one defender with the engine and technique to be a constant offensive outlet, embodying the demanding, two-way role of the contemporary defender.
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 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 José Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
José'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
- Won the EFL Cup with Liverpool in 2012, defeating Cardiff City in the final at Wembley Stadium.
- Was a regular starter for Liverpool during the 2013-14 season, where the team finished second in the Premier League.
- Helped Newcastle United secure promotion back to the Premier League during the 2009-10 Championship season.
Did You Know?
He began his professional career at Levante UD in Spain before moving to Villarreal CF.
He is known for being an avid user of social media and for his interest in bodybuilding and fitness post-retirement.
He made over 150 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions during his five-year spell at the club.
“I always tried to get forward and put in a cross, that was my game.”
