Kolbeinn Sigþórsson
The Icelandic striker whose crucial goal against England ignited the nation's unforgettable underdog run at Euro 2016.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Icelandic footballer·Birthday: March 14·Millennials
Biography
Kolbeinn Sigþórsson's name is forever etched in Icelandic football folklore for a single, seismic moment. A powerful, traditional number nine, his career was shaped by prolific early seasons with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, which earned him a high-profile move to Ajax. While injuries often disrupted his club trajectory, his importance to the Icelandic national team was never in doubt. At the 2016 European Championships in France, with Iceland facing England in the round of 16, Sigþórsson wrote history. His low, composed finish past Joe Hart sealed a stunning 2-1 victory, a result that reverberated around the world and propelled the tiny nation into the quarter-finals. That goal cemented his status as a national hero, embodying the grit and collective spirit of Iceland's golden generation.
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.
Kolbeinn 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 Kolbeinn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Kolbeinn'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
- Scored the historic winning goal for Iceland against England in the round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2016.
- Was the top scorer in the Eredivisie for AZ Alkmaar in the 2010-11 season with 15 goals.
- Won the KNVB Cup with Ajax in the 2013-14 season.
- Earned over 60 caps for the Icelandic national football team, scoring over 20 goals.
Did You Know?
He is the all-time top scorer for the Icelandic national team in UEFA European Championship finals tournaments.
Sigþórsson retired from professional football in 2023 due to persistent knee injuries.
He played alongside his national team captain, Aron Gunnarsson, at both AZ Alkmaar and later at Cardiff City.
“That goal against England is a moment I will carry with me forever.”
