Kyle Lafferty
A fiery and physical Northern Irish striker whose international goals and club career were marked by passion and controversy in equal measure.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Northern Irish footballer·Birthday: September 16·Millennials
Biography
Kyle Lafferty's football story is one of raw talent, physicality, and unvarnished emotion. Hailing from Enniskillen, his potent combination of height, strength, and a left foot capable of decisive finishes propelled him through the ranks at Burnley and onto a storied, peripatetic club career. He became a key figure for the Northern Ireland national team, his crucial goals in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign helping to end a 30-year drought and secure a historic place at the tournament finals. However, his journey has been punctuated by disciplinary flashpoints and off-pitch headlines, creating a narrative as volatile as it is compelling. From the Scottish Premiership to spells in Italy, Switzerland, and back to Scotland's lower leagues, Lafferty's path reflects a player whose impact was never measured in quiet consistency, but in memorable, often dramatic, moments.
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.
Kyle 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 Kyle 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
Kyle'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
- Scored seven goals in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, playing a central role in Northern Ireland's first major tournament in 30 years.
- Won two Scottish Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups during his time with Rangers.
- Earned over 80 caps for the Northern Ireland national team as a primary attacking option for a decade.
Did You Know?
He is known by the nickname 'The Lafferty Lama' among some Northern Ireland supporters.
Lafferty once celebrated a goal for Sion by pretending to smoke a cigar in front of the opposing fans.
He has played club football in seven different countries: England, Scotland, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland.
“I just want to score goals and help my team win.”
