Mattia Perin
An exceptionally gifted Italian goalkeeper whose career has been a long exercise in patience, waiting behind legends for his chance to shine.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Italian footballer·Birthday: November 10·Millennials
Biography
Mattia Perin's talent with gloves has never been in question; his fortune with timing and health has defined his path. Heralded as Italy's next great goalkeeper from his teenage years at Genoa, he possessed cat-like reflexes and a commanding presence. Serious knee injuries, however, stalled his ascent just as he was breaking into the national team. In 2018, he made a dream move to Juventus, only to find himself as understudy to the seemingly eternal Gianluigi Buffon and later Wojciech Szczęsny. His career became a masterclass in professionalism in the shadows, accepting a supporting role at a giant club while staying ready for rare opportunities. When called upon, he has consistently delivered performances that remind everyone of his innate quality, earning a contract extension at Juventus not as a clear starter, but as a luxury reserve few clubs can boast.
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.
Mattia 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 Mattia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Mattia'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
- Earned over 30 caps for the Italian national team, making his debut in 2014.
- Played a key role in Genoa's Serie A survival for several seasons, establishing himself as one of the league's top shot-stoppers.
- Won the Coppa Italia with Juventus in 2021, contributing during the campaign.
- Has been part of multiple Serie A title-winning squads with Juventus.
Did You Know?
He saved a penalty from Diego Maradona's son, Giovanni Simeone, in a Serie A match.
He missed most of the 2015-16 season due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.
He is known for being an avid reader and has a degree in Political Science.
“A goalkeeper lives in the silence before the storm, always ready for the one shot.”
