Kevin Kampl
A dynamic, relentless midfielder whose elegant playing style and fierce competitiveness made him a fan favorite in Germany's Bundesliga.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Slovenian footballer·Birthday: October 9·Millennials
Biography
Born in Solingen, Germany, to Slovenian parents, Kevin Kampl's football path was defined by a high-energy, technically sound approach to the game. He chose to represent Slovenia internationally, bringing a polished Bundesliga pedigree to their midfield. Kampl's club career was a tour of some of Germany's most watchable teams, from the pressing machine of Red Bull Salzburg (and later Leipzig) to the tactical sophistication of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund. He wasn't a prolific goal-scorer; his impact was measured in kilometers covered, passes intercepted, and rapid transitions launched. Coaches valued his engine and intelligence, often deploying him as a box-to-box catalyst who could disrupt and create in equal measure. His retirement in 2023 closed the book on a player whose consistency and work rate made him a fundamental piece for every team he played for.
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 1990, 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 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Kevin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won four consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles and two Austrian Cups with Red Bull Salzburg from 2012 to 2014.
- Made over 200 appearances in the German Bundesliga for clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig.
- Earned 28 caps for the Slovenia national football team, serving as a key midfield presence.
- Played a pivotal role in RB Leipzig's rise, helping them secure UEFA Champions League qualification multiple seasons.
Did You Know?
He holds both German and Slovenian citizenship.
He was known for his distinctive hairstyle, often featuring long, braided hair during his playing days.
Before focusing on football, he was a skilled tennis player in his youth.
“I chose Slovenia because that's where my heart is, and I want to give everything for this country.”
