Manuel Lanzini
An Argentine playmaker nicknamed 'The Jewel,' whose creative flair and delicate technique brought moments of magic to the heart of West Ham's midfield.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: February 15·Millennials
Biography
Manuel Lanzini's story is one of tantalizing talent and resilient comebacks. Hailing from Buenos Aires, his low center of gravity and inventive passing earned him the nickname 'La Joya' (The Jewel) during his early years in Argentina and a subsequent move to the United Arab Emirates. It was in East London, however, where he truly found a home. At West Ham United, he became the essential creative spark, the player fans turned to for a moment of unexpected brilliance to unlock a defense. His partnership with Michail Antonio defined a vibrant era for the club. A devastating ACL injury on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, where he was set to represent Argentina, threatened to derail his career, but his determined return to the Premier League pitch was a testament to his spirit. Later returning to Vélez Sarsfield, his career came full circle, a skillful artisan of the game.
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.
Manuel was born in 1993, 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 Manuel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Manuel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
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
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was a key creative figure for West Ham United for over seven seasons, making nearly 200 appearances.
- Represented Argentina at the senior international level and was named to their 2018 World Cup squad before injury.
- Scored a famous last-minute equalizer against Tottenham Hotspur in a 3-2 comeback win for West Ham in 2020.
- Won the UAE President's Cup with Al Jazira Club in 2012.
Did You Know?
His nickname, 'La Joya,' was given to him by his first coach at River Plate's youth academy.
He suffered a serious knee injury in training just days before Argentina's first match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He began his professional career at River Plate but made his senior debut for Fluminense in Brazil on loan.
“I play for the fans, to give them something to celebrate.”
