Juan Iturbe
A dazzling winger whose early promise saw him hailed as the 'Paraguayan Messi' for his explosive dribbling and creative flair.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Paraguayan footballer·Birthday: June 4·Millennials
Biography
Juan Manuel Iturbe Arévalo's football journey is a tale of prodigious talent navigating the intense pressures of modern football. Born in Buenos Aires to Paraguayan parents, his technical gifts were evident from childhood, leading to a move to South American giants Cerro Porteño as a teenager. His performances there, marked by audacious runs and a fearless attacking style, sparked a rapid European migration, with clubs like Porto and Roma investing heavily in his potential. While his career trajectory has seen him play across continents, from Italy's Serie A to Mexico's Liga MX, his commitment to the Paraguayan national team has remained a constant. Iturbe's story reflects the winding path of a player carrying the weight of great expectation, continually striving to unlock his undeniable ability on the pitch.
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
- Made his senior debut for the Paraguay national team in 2013, earning multiple caps.
- Secured a high-profile transfer to Italian Serie A club A.S. Roma in 2014.
- Won the Copa MX title with Club Tijuana during his stint in Mexican football.
- Played a key role in Cerro Porteño's Paraguayan Primera División campaigns in his formative years.
Did You Know?
He was born in Argentina but chose to represent Paraguay internationally.
He earned the nickname 'The Paraguayan Messi' early in his career due to his playing style.
He has played club football in six different countries: Paraguay, Argentina, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, and Greece.
He is the cousin of another Paraguayan international footballer, Derlis González.
“My talent is a gift I carry for my family and my country.”
