Kevin-Prince Boateng
A fiercely talented and outspoken footballer who used his platform to challenge racism and became a cultural figure beyond the pitch.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Footballer·Birthday: March 6·Millennials
Biography
Kevin-Prince Boateng's career was a study in contrasts and relentless movement. Born in Berlin to a Ghanaian father and German mother, his path was never conventional. He emerged as a dynamic midfielder with a powerful shot, playing for clubs across Europe including Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, and Barcelona. His talent was undeniable, but his impact often transcended the game. In 2013, while playing for Milan, he walked off the pitch in response to racist chants, a defiant act that made global headlines and cemented his role as an activist. His later years saw him embrace a nomadic playing style, influencing teams in Germany, Italy, Spain, and even Turkey, before transitioning into coaching. Boateng's story is one of a player who refused to be defined solely by his sport, becoming a voice for a generation confronting intolerance.
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-Prince 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-Prince 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-Prince'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 the 2015-16 La Liga title with FC Barcelona, making 3 appearances for the club.
- Scored a memorable goal for Portsmouth in their 2010 FA Cup semi-final victory, helping them reach the final.
- Made over 15 appearances for the Ghana national team, including playing in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
- Played for prestigious clubs in four of Europe's top five leagues: the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and the Premier League.
Did You Know?
His half-brother, Jérôme Boateng, is a World Cup-winning German international, and they faced each other in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
He played for both sides of the Berlin football rivalry, starting his career at Hertha BSC and later playing for their rivals, FC Schalke 04.
He released a hip-hop track titled 'Boa, Boa' in 2010 in collaboration with German rapper Kool Savas.
“I walked off because I am a human, not because I am black. Because I am a man, and I have dignity.”
