José Manuel Jurado
A creative Spanish midfielder whose vision and technical skill made him a key orchestrator for clubs like Atlético Madrid and Schalke 04.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: June 29·Millennials
Biography
José Manuel Jurado emerged from the famed youth academy of Real Madrid, but it was at their city rivals, Atlético Madrid, where he truly carved out his professional identity. His career was a journey of intelligent midfield play, marked by precise passing and an ability to dictate tempo. After establishing himself in La Liga, he took on a significant challenge in the Bundesliga with Schake 04, where his adaptability and playmaking were crucial. Later spells in England, Russia, and a return to Spain showcased a player valued for his footballing brain and consistency. While an international cap for Spain remained elusive, his club career across Europe's top leagues stands as a testament to his quality and football intelligence.
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 UEFA Europa League with Atlético Madrid in the 2009–10 season.
- Made over 100 appearances for Atlético Madrid across two separate spells with the club.
- Played a key role for Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League during the early 2010s.
Did You Know?
He is a product of Real Madrid's youth system, La Fábrica, but never made a first-team league appearance for the club.
Jurado scored on his debut for Schalke 04 in a 2–1 win over Hamburger SV in 2010.
His father, Manuel Jurado, was also a professional footballer who played as a defender.
“You have to be intelligent, to know when to speed up the play and when to slow it down.”
