Micah Richards
An English defender whose explosive talent made him a Premier League champion and the nation's youngest ever senior player, before reinventing himself as a beloved TV personality.
Born 1988 (age 38)·English footballer·Birthday: June 24·Millennials
Biography
Micah Richards burst onto the scene at Manchester City with the force of a thunderclap—a powerhouse right-back whose marauding runs and infectious grin captured the imagination. He wasn't just strong; he was startlingly fast and athletic, a prototype of the modern full-back. His ascent was meteoric: a Premier League title winner with City and, memorably, England's youngest-ever senior defender when he debuted at 18. Injuries, however, began to curtail his physical gifts, leading to a gradual fade from the elite level. In a second act few saw coming, Richards channeled his charisma and deep knowledge of the game into punditry. On television, his loud laugh, tactical insight, and easy chemistry with colleagues have made him one of football broadcasting's most popular figures, proving his connection to the sport was far more than just physical.
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.
Micah was born in 1988, 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 Micah Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Micah's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Premier League with Manchester City in the 2011-12 season.
- Became the youngest defender to ever play for the England national team, debuting at 18 years and 144 days old in 2006.
- Lifted the FA Cup with Manchester City in 2011.
- Named to the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the 2007-08 season.
Did You Know?
He is a lifelong fan of and former player for Aston Villa, the club he supported as a boy.
He co-owns a non-league football club, Halesowen Town, with fellow pundit Robbie Savage.
He famously celebrated a goal against Manchester United by running the length of the pitch to hug his family in the crowd.
“I played with a smile on my face. That's the only way I knew how.”
