Martin Harnik
A versatile and hard-running forward who carved out a successful Bundesliga career and became a stalwart for the Austrian national team over a decade.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Footballer·Birthday: June 10·Millennials
Biography
Born in Hamburg to an Austrian mother, Martin Harnik's football identity became distinctly Austrian. His professional breakthrough came not in Germany, but after a move to Werder Bremen, where his relentless work rate and nose for goal caught attention. It was at VfB Stuttgart, however, where he found his true home, becoming a fan favorite for six seasons with his direct style and crucial goals. Capable on the wing or through the middle, Harnik's consistency made him a regular for Austria, representing his chosen nation in a major tournament at Euro 2016. His later career saw him return to Germany with Hannover 96 before winding down in the lower leagues, his legacy that of a dependable and wholehearted attacker.
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.
Martin 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 Martin 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
Martin'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
- Earned over 60 caps for the Austrian national team, scoring 15 goals and featuring at UEFA Euro 2016.
- Scored 68 goals in 224 appearances across all competitions for VfB Stuttgart, his most prolific club stint.
- Won the 2. Bundesliga title with Werder Bremen in 2021, contributing to their immediate return to the top flight.
- Finished as the Austrian Footballer of the Year runner-up in 2012, behind David Alaba.
Did You Know?
He was born and raised in Germany but chose to represent Austria internationally through his mother.
He studied business administration during his playing career.
He scored a hat-trick against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga in 2012.
His father, Klaus Harnik, was a footballer who played in the German lower leagues.
“I always gave everything for the Austrian national team.”
