Marco Verratti
A diminutive Italian midfielder whose preternatural passing and tenacious spirit defined Paris Saint-Germain's midfield for over a decade.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Italian footballer·Birthday: November 5·Millennials
Biography
Born in Pescara, Marco Verratti's football journey began not with a giant, but with his local club. His technical brilliance was evident early, and a single season in Serie B was enough to convince Paris Saint-Germain to bring him to the French capital in 2012. There, amidst a constellation of global stars, the small-statured Italian became the team's indispensable heartbeat. Verratti was not a flashy goal-scorer but a conductor, controlling the tempo of games with a rare combination of gritty ball-winning and exquisite, defense-splitting passes. His vision and composure under pressure were central to PSG's domestic dominance, and he formed one of Europe's most formidable midfield partnerships. While major international tournament glory with Italy remained elusive, his club career cemented his status as one of the most complete and intelligent midfielders of his generation.
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.
Marco was born in 1992, 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 Marco Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Marco's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won nine Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, forming the core of their midfield for over a decade.
- Helped Italy win UEFA Euro 2020, starting in the midfield for the victorious Azzurri squad.
- Named to the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season in 2019-20 after PSG reached the final.
- Earned the nickname 'Il Gufetto' (The Little Owl) for his vision and intelligence on the pitch.
Did You Know?
He is known for his distinctive hairstyle, often featuring long, curly locks.
Despite his small stature for a modern footballer, he is famously combative and has received many yellow cards.
He began his professional career at his hometown club, Delfino Pescara, before moving directly to PSG.
Verratti is a noted fan of Argentine midfielder Juan Román Riquelme, emulating his playing style.
“I have always preferred to give an assist rather than score a goal. For me, a beautiful pass is like a goal.”
