Maxime Colin
A versatile French full-back who carved out a steady career across four European leagues with relentless consistency.
Born 1991 (age 35)·French footballer·Birthday: November 15·Millennials
Biography
Maxime Colin's professional journey is a map of European football's second tiers and battling top divisions, defined by adaptability and durability. Unlike many French talents who rise through famed academies, Colin's path was more pragmatic, beginning at Boulogne and moving to Troyes, where he experienced both Ligue 2 and a brief taste of Ligue 1. His reliable performances at right-back caught the eye of Belgian giants Anderlecht, where he added a league title to his resume. The most defining chapter, however, came in England, first with Brentford where he became a fan favorite for his committed, no-nonsense defending, and later with Birmingham City, where he was a near-ever-present stalwart for several seasons. Returning to France with Metz, he brought a wealth of experience. Colin may not have been a flashy international, but his career is a masterclass in the sustained professionalism required to succeed across multiple leagues and cultures.
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.
Maxime was born in 1991, 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 Maxime Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Maxime's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Belgian First Division A title with RSC Anderlecht in the 2016-17 season.
- Made over 150 appearances for Birmingham City in the English Championship, serving as a defensive mainstay.
- Played a key role in Brentford's 2014-15 campaign that saw them reach the Championship playoff semifinals.
- Earned 7 caps for the France national under-20 team.
Did You Know?
He played in the same Troyes team that featured future World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard early in his career.
Colin scored his first professional goal for Boulogne in a Ligue 2 match against Nîmes in 2011.
He was named Birmingham City's Players' Player of the Season for the 2020-21 campaign.
“You learn more about yourself in a relegation battle than in any comfortable mid-table season.”
