Jozy Altidore
A physically dominant American striker who became his country's relentless goal-scoring workhorse and a trailblazer in Europe's top leagues.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American soccer player·Birthday: November 6·Millennials
Biography
Jozy Altidore carried the weight of American soccer's attacking hopes on his broad shoulders for over a decade. Bursting onto the scene as a teenage phenom with the New York Red Bulls, his powerful frame and nose for goal promised a new kind of American forward. A high-profile move to Europe brought challenges, but his resilience defined his legacy. At AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, he found his devastating form, shattering records and proving an American could be a prolific scorer in a major European league. For the U.S. Men's National Team, he was the constant, physical focal point up front, battling defenders and scoring crucial goals in World Cup qualifiers and tournaments. While injuries later hampered his club trajectory, his tenure with Toronto FC in MLS re-established him as a force, helping transform the club into a champion. Altidore's career was a physical and emotional marathon, embodying the gritty determination required to lead a line.
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.
Jozy 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 Jozy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jozy'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
- Became the youngest player to score a goal in MLS history at 16 years and 337 days in 2006.
- Scored 31 goals in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar in the 2012-13 season, a record for an American in Europe.
- Is the third all-time leading scorer for the U.S. Men's National Team with 42 international goals.
- Won the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and three Canadian Championships with Toronto FC.
Did You Know?
His parents are of Haitian descent, and he chose to represent the United States internationally.
He scored a hat-trick for AZ Alkmaar in a UEFA Europa League match in 2012.
His younger brother, Jahmir, is also a professional soccer player.
“I've always been a player who has had to fight for everything.”
