Miguel Borja
A classic, physically imposing Colombian striker known for his aerial dominance, penalty-box instincts, and crucial goals in high-pressure continental finals.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: January 26·Millennials
Biography
Miguel Borja is a throwback number nine, a striker who lives for the chaos of the six-yard box. His career has been a tour of South American football, marked by prolific scoring spells and a penchant for delivering on the biggest stages. After early years in Colombia, he truly announced himself in Argentina with Atlético Junior, where his powerful heading ability and cool finishing made him a fan idol. Borja's reputation as a big-game player was cemented in the Copa Libertadores, where he scored decisive goals in finals, first for Junior and later for Palmeiras in Brazil, becoming a key figure in their continental triumph. While a move to Europe with Palmeiras didn't lead to a sustained stay, he remained a constant goal threat back in Colombia and for the national team, where his physical presence offers a different dimension. His journey continues in the Middle East, but his legacy in South American club football is secure.
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.
Miguel was born in 1993, 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 Miguel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Miguel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
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
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Copa Libertadores with Brazilian club Palmeiras in 2021, contributing important goals throughout the campaign.
- Finished as the top scorer in the Copa Sudamericana in 2017 while playing for Atlético Junior.
- Helped Atlético Junior win the Colombian league title in the 2018 Apertura tournament.
- Scored the winning goal in the 2018 Copa Libertadores final second leg for Atlético Junior, forcing a penalty shootout.
Did You Know?
Borja is a devout Christian and is often seen pointing to the sky or praying after scoring a goal.
He has a distinctive celebration where he mimics rowing a boat, a nod to his time with Atlético Junior in the coastal city of Barranquilla.
Before becoming a professional footballer, he worked as a bricklayer with his father.
“A striker's job is simple: be in the right place when the ball arrives.”
