Nenê (footballer, born 1981)
A Brazilian midfield craftsman whose career longevity and scoring touch defied time, setting age records in his home league.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: July 19·Millennials
Biography
Anderson Luiz de Carvalho, known universally as Nenê, carved out a remarkable career defined by technical grace and sheer endurance. Emerging in Brazil, he found his most defining chapter in Europe, particularly at Paris Saint-Germain where his vision and dead-ball expertise made him a fan favorite. Unlike many who fade, Nenê's story was one of a sustained homecoming. Returning to Brazil, he continued to orchestrate play with a veteran's savvy for various clubs. His career reached a poetic peak in 2025 when, at 44 years old, he scored in the Brazilian Série A, setting a record as the competition's oldest goalscorer—a testament to his enduring fitness and timeless skill.
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.
Nenê was born in 1981, 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 Nenê Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Nenê's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
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
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
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 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the record as the oldest goalscorer in Brazilian Série A history at 44 years and 32 days old in 2025.
- Made over 100 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 48 goals from midfield.
- Played in Europe's top leagues for over a decade, including spells at Monaco, Celta Vigo, and West Ham United.
- Is among the footballers with the most official club appearances in the sport's history.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow professional footballer Júlio César.
Nenê once scored four goals in a single Ligue 1 match for PSG against Sochaux in 2012.
He played for 15 different clubs across five countries during his professional career.
“The free kick is a conversation between me, the ball, and the goalkeeper.”
