Marouane Fellaini
A Belgian midfielder whose towering afro and bruising physicality became an unmistakable and effective weapon for club and country.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Belgian footballer·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Marouane Fellaini was never a subtle footballer, and that was his greatest strength. Standing well over six feet tall, he played the game with a unique, elbows-out physicality that made him a nightmare in midfield duels and a constant aerial threat in the box. His rise at Standard Liège caught the eye of the Premier League, where he became a cult hero at Everton for his all-action displays. A move to Manchester United under David Moyes was divisive, often seen as a symbol of a pragmatic style, but Fellaini's utility was undeniable. He became the ultimate 'plan B'—a specialist brought on to disrupt, hold up play, and score crucial late goals. For Belgium's 'Golden Generation', he provided essential steel and big-game moments, embodying a workmanlike excellence that perfectly complemented the team's flashier stars.
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.
Marouane was born in 1987, 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 Marouane Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Marouane's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#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
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in 2017, scoring in the semi-final.
- Earned 87 caps for the Belgian national team, scoring 18 goals and playing in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
- Helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, their best-ever finish.
- Won the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year award in 2008 while at Standard Liège.
Did You Know?
He is of Moroccan descent through his father and holds dual Belgian-Moroccan citizenship.
Fellaini's distinctive afro hair was insured for a reported value during his time at Manchester United.
He scored the first goal of the David Moyes era at Manchester United in a Community Shield victory.
Before focusing on football, he trained as a gymnast for several years as a child.
“I know my qualities. I know what I can do. I'm not a technical player, I'm not a player who dribbles, but I have other qualities.”
