Leonardo Ulloa
The towering Argentine striker whose crucial, fairy-tale goal preserved Leicester City's impossible dream on their way to the 2016 Premier League title.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Leonardo Ulloa’s legacy in football is forever tied to one of the sport's greatest upsets. A traditional, physical number nine, he joined Leicester City in 2014, a solid contributor in their great escape from relegation. But his moment arrived in the delirious 2015-16 season. With the Foxes clinging to a narrow lead late in a tense match against West Ham, Ulloa, brought on as a substitute, coolly converted a penalty in the 95th minute to salvage a draw. That single point proved monumental, a key stitch in the fabric of Leicester's improbable Premier League title triumph. While not always a starter in that magical campaign, his role as a reliable finisher and tactical outlet was invaluable. His career, which included successful spells in Spain and Mexico before his return to England, is a reminder that heroes in a title chase come in many forms, from the stars to the steadfast squad players who deliver when called upon.
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.
Leonardo was born in 1986, 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 Leonardo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Leonardo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a vital 95th-minute penalty against West Ham United in April 2016, securing a draw that was critical to Leicester City's Premier League title win.
- Won the Premier League with Leicester City in the 2015-16 season, making 29 appearances across all competitions.
- Finished as the top scorer for Brighton & Hove Albion with 23 goals in the 2012-13 season, helping them reach the Championship playoff semifinals.
- Won the Copa del Rey with UD Almería in 2023, though he did not play in the final.
Did You Know?
His goal against West Ham for Leicester was his first from a penalty kick in the Premier League.
He began his professional career in Argentina with Club Atlético San Lorenzo.
He is known by the nickname 'El Matador'.
“I will always be a champion of the world with Leicester City.”
