Juan Fernando Quintero
A Colombian playmaker with a magical left foot, known for breathtaking passes and decisive moments in continental football.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: January 18·Millennials
Biography
Juan Fernando Quintero, or 'Juanfer', is the archetype of the classic number 10, a creative force whose vision and technical skill can unlock any defense. His career has been a globe-trotting saga of high expectations and sublime highlights, from early promise in Europe to becoming a talisman in South America. At River Plate in Argentina, he found a perfect home, his artistry flourishing in a system that prized his genius. He cemented his legacy with crucial goals in the Copa Libertadores, including a stunning free-kick in the 2018 final. For the Colombian national team, he has been a spark plug off the bench, a player capable of changing a game's destiny with a single, defense-splitting pass or a thunderous long-range strike.
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.
Juan was born in 1993, 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 Juan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Juan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a iconic long-range free-kick for River Plate in the second leg of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final.
- Won the Copa Libertadores twice with River Plate (2018) and the Copa Sudamericana with Independiente Medellín (2023).
- Named the Copa Libertadores Final Man of the Match in 2018.
- Represented Colombia at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, scoring against Japan in 2018.
Did You Know?
He is known for his distinctive celebration, covering one eye with his hand, dedicated to his daughter.
He played for FC Porto in Portugal early in his career.
He underwent multiple knee surgeries throughout his career, battling significant injuries.
He won the South American U-20 Championship with Colombia in 2013, where he was a standout player.
“My left foot is a gift I try to use to create something beautiful.”
