Leroy Sané
A German winger whose blistering pace and technical flair have electrified the Bundesliga, Premier League, and the international stage.
Born 1996 (age 30)·German footballer·Birthday: January 11·Millennials
Biography
Leroy Sané's football story is one of explosive talent realized on Europe's biggest stages. The son of a former footballer and a gymnast, his athletic pedigree was evident from his youth days at Schalke 04. His breakthrough was meteoric; a stunning solo goal against Real Madrid announced him as a future star. A move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City saw him refine his game, combining devastating speed with precise end product to become a pivotal part of a domestic dynasty. After returning to Germany with Bayern Munich, he added consistent titles to his highlight reel of goals. For the German national team, he embodies a modern, direct attacking threat, capable of deciding games in an instant with a surge down the flank.
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.
Leroy was born in 1996, 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 Leroy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Leroy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#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
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2017-18 Premier League season.
- Secured multiple Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, including a historic sextuple in 2020.
- Was a key member of Manchester City's 2017-18 Premier League title-winning team that amassed 100 points.
Did You Know?
His father, Souleymane Sané, was a professional footballer, and his mother, Regina Weber, was an Olympic bronze medalist in gymnastics.
He holds both German and French citizenship.
He is known for his distinctive celebration, covering his face with his hands in a 'peek-a-boo' style.
“I always try to play with a smile, to enjoy myself. That's when I play my best football.”
