Matt Targett
A dependable English left-back who honed his craft in Southampton's academy before becoming a reliable Premier League and Championship performer.
Born 1995 (age 31)·English footballer·Birthday: September 18·Millennials
Biography
Matt Targett represents the solid, professional career built on consistency and defensive intelligence. A product of the renowned Southampton academy, he learned his trade behind first-choice left-back Ryan Bertrand, making his Premier League debut for the Saints in 2014. His breakthrough came with a season-long loan at Fulham, where his performances in their promotion-winning campaign showcased his ability as an attacking fullback. That form earned him a permanent move to Aston Villa, where he became a mainstay in their defense, helping them secure promotion and then establish themselves in the top flight. A transfer to Newcastle United followed, where he provided experienced cover and competition. Targett's path hasn't been marked by flashy headlines, but by a steady reliability that has made him a valued asset for every club he's played for across England's top two divisions.
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.
Matt was born in 1995, 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 Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
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
2008Became a teenager
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
2011Could drive
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
2013Could vote
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
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won promotion to the Premier League with Fulham in the 2017-18 season while on loan from Southampton.
- Helped Aston Villa achieve promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2019 after joining the club.
- Made his Premier League debut for Southampton in a 8-0 victory over Sunderland in October 2014.
Did You Know?
He is the son of former professional rugby player Nick Targett.
He represented both England and Scotland at youth international levels before choosing England.
He scored his first Premier League goal for Southampton against Swansea City in 2016.
“You have to be ready when the manager calls your name, that's the job.”
