Kevin Großkreutz
A fiery and versatile German footballer whose passionate play reached its pinnacle in Borussia Dortmund's historic 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga title wins.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German footballer·Birthday: July 19·Millennials
Biography
Kevin Großkreutz won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 UEFA Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund. The Dortmund native played for his hometown club with unbridled passion, deployed as a wing, full-back, or midfielder under Jürgen Klopp. He was not a polished superstar but a relentless utility player whose tireless running and fierce competitiveness made him a fan favorite. After leaving Dortmund, his journey took him through several clubs, including a brief stint in the German third division. His career demonstrated the impact of sheer will and hometown pride over natural talent.
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 1988, 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 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kevin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Bundesliga titles (2011, 2012) and the DFB-Pokal (2012) with Borussia Dortmund.
- Played in the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final as a starter for Dortmund against Bayern Munich.
- Earned six caps for the German national team and was part of their 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.
Did You Know?
He is a lifelong Borussia Dortmund supporter and held a season ticket as a child.
After leaving top-flight football, he played for regional club TuS Eichlinghofen, where his uncle was president.
He briefly worked as a pundit for German television after his retirement from professional football.
“I am a Dortmund boy. This club is my heart.”
