Kevin Gameiro
A French striker of electric pace and predatory instinct, whose career was a masterclass in scoring important goals for every club he represented.
Born 1987 (age 39)·French footballer·Birthday: May 9·Millennials
Biography
Kevin Gameiro's footballing signature was a burst of acceleration followed by a cool, often first-time, finish. Never the most physically imposing forward, he used his low center of gravity, razor-sharp movement, and explosive speed to torment defenders. He rose to prominence at FC Lorient, where his goal-scoring exploits earned a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Though not always a regular starter in star-studded squads, Gameiro proved his worth as a supreme impact player. His most prolific spell came at Sevilla, where he formed a devastating partnership with another forward and thrived under the pressure of knockout football, becoming a Europa League specialist. Later moves to Atlético Madrid and Valencia cemented his reputation as a reliable, big-game operator in Europe's top leagues. For the French national team, he provided a valuable alternative option, his career defined by a consistent ability to find space and the net when it mattered most.
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.
Kevin was born in 1987, 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 Kevin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kevin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three UEFA Europa League titles (2015, 2016 with Sevilla, 2018 with Atlético Madrid), scoring in two of the finals.
- Scored over 100 goals in Spain's La Liga across spells with Sevilla, Atlético Madrid, and Valencia.
- Won the UEFA Super Cup in 2018 with Atlético Madrid.
- Was part of the France squad that reached the final of UEFA Euro 2016 on home soil.
Did You Know?
He is of Portuguese descent through his mother.
He scored a hat-trick for Sevilla in a 2015 UEFA Super Cup match against Barcelona, though his team ultimately lost.
He named Brazilian striker Ronaldo as his childhood idol.
He retired from professional football in 2024 after a season with Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
“I've always been a striker who likes to play on the last defender.”
