Lars Stindl
A late-blooming attacking force whose intelligence and clutch performances defined Borussia Mönchengladbach's rise and earned him a surprise national team call-up.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German association football player·Birthday: August 26·Millennials
Biography
Lars Stindl's career is a story of persistence and footballing intelligence triumphing over conventional athleticism. He spent his formative years at Karlsruher SC, developing a reputation as a clever, technically sound attacker rather than a speedster. A move to Hannover 96 brought him to the Bundesliga, but it was his 2015 transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach where he truly flourished. Under manager Dieter Hecking, Stindl was deployed as a 'false nine,' using his vision and positioning to orchestrate play and arrive in the box at the perfect moment. His leadership was recognized with the captain's armband, and he spearheaded Gladbach's return to European competition. In a crowning moment, his consistent excellence earned him a debut for the German national team at age 29, and he famously scored the winning goal in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup final.
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.
Lars 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 Lars Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lars'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
- Captained Borussia Mönchengladbach for multiple seasons, leading the team to consistent top-four finishes in the Bundesliga.
- Scored the winning goal for Germany in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup final against Chile.
- Recorded a career-best 11 goals and 7 assists in the 2016-17 Bundesliga season from an attacking midfield role.
- Played over 200 Bundesliga matches for Borussia Mönchengladbach, becoming a central figure in the club's modern identity.
Did You Know?
He made his debut for the German national team in March 2017 at the age of 28, a relatively late age for a first call-up.
Stindl completed an apprenticeship as an office clerk while playing in Karlsruhe's youth academy, having a backup plan outside of football.
He scored in his first-ever Champions League match for Borussia Mönchengladbach, a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in 2016.
“My game was never about pace; it's about finding the right space and making the right decision.”
