Nathan Delfouneso
A lightning-fast striker who burst onto the Premier League scene as a teenager, his career became a journey through the tiers of English football.
Born 1991 (age 35)·English footballer·Birthday: February 2·Millennials
Biography
Nathan Delfouneso emerged from Aston Villa's youth academy with a reputation as a goal-scoring prodigy, making his first-team debut at just 17. His early promise, marked by pace and a cool finishing touch, saw him tipped for a bright future at the highest level. However, his path diverged from a single-club narrative, evolving into that of a dedicated journeyman. Over the years, Delfouneso has plied his trade for over a dozen clubs, from Blackpool to Bolton and Swindon Town, experiencing the full spectrum of English football's challenges and cultures. This extensive loan and transfer history speaks less to instability and more to a persistent, adaptable professionalism, always seeking the next game and the next goal, becoming a familiar and respected figure across the Football League.
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.
Nathan 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 Nathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Nathan'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
- Made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa at age 17 in 2008.
- Scored his first senior goal for Aston Villa in a UEFA Cup match against MSK Žilina.
- Won the Football League Trophy with Blackpool in the 2016–17 season.
- Represented England at every youth level from Under-16 to Under-21.
- Surpassed 400 professional club appearances across his career.
Did You Know?
He is of Nigerian descent through his father.
His middle name, Abayomi, is of Yoruba origin meaning 'he brings joy'.
He scored on his debut for the England U-21 team in 2009.
He played in the same Villa youth team as future England internationals Fabian Delph and Gary Gardner.
“I just want to play football and score goals, that's what I enjoy doing.”
