Mauro (footballer, born May 1984)
A Brazilian forward whose powerful left foot and aerial prowess made him a consistent goal threat across multiple South American leagues.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: May 20·Millennials
Biography
Mauro Rafael da Silva, known simply as Mauro, carved out a solid, journeyman's career in football, defined by a reliable scoring touch. Born in May 1984, he emerged in Brazil, his game built less on flashy dribbling and more on intelligent positioning and a formidable physical presence in the box. His path wasn't marked by a single blockbuster transfer, but by steady contributions at clubs like Grêmio, Flamengo, and Cruzeiro, where he often played a crucial supporting role. He also found success abroad, notably in Mexico with Santos Laguna and in Chile with Universidad de Chile, adapting his classic target-man style to different leagues and proving his versatility. While he never became a global superstar, Mauro's career is a testament to the value of a dependable striker who delivers season after season.
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.
Mauro was born in 1984, 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 Mauro Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Mauro's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
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
2000Could drive
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
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
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
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title with Flamengo in 2009.
- Secured the Copa do Brasil trophy while playing for Cruzeiro in 2017.
- Scored crucial goals in continental competition, including in the Copa Libertadores for Grêmio.
- Earned a Chilean Primera División championship with Universidad de Chile in 2014.
Did You Know?
His nickname is 'Mauro' which is often used in place of his full name on team sheets and jerseys.
He is known for being particularly strong in the air despite not being exceptionally tall for a forward.
He played for both of Rio de Janeiro's major rivals, Flamengo and Fluminense, during his career.
“A striker's job is simple: be in the right place and finish.”
