Niclas Füllkrug
Germany's classic number nine, a physical and clinical finisher who emerged as a Bundesliga top scorer in his late twenties.
Born 1993 (age 33)·German footballer·Birthday: February 9·Millennials
Biography
Niclas Füllkrug's story is one of belated recognition, a striker who perfected his craft away from the glare of superstardom before exploding onto the national scene. For years, the powerful forward was a reliable goal-getter in Germany's second division, known for his aerial strength, left-footed finish, and classic penalty-box presence. His career-defining move came not with a transfer, but with Werder Bremen's promotion in 2022. In the top flight, 'Fülle' became a revelation, sharing the Bundesliga Torjägerkanone (top scorer cannon) in his first season back. His uncanny ability to be in the right place and his ruthless efficiency earned him a shock call-up to the German national team for the 2022 World Cup at age 29, where he scored crucial goals. Füllkrug's journey dismantles the myth of the early bloomer, showcasing that persistence and a defined skillset can lead to the pinnacle of the sport.
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.
Niclas 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 Niclas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Niclas'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
- Co-won the Bundesliga Top Scorer award (Torjägerkanone) in the 2022-23 season with 16 goals for Werder Bremen.
- Made his debut for the German national team in November 2022 at age 29 and was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad.
- Scored two goals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including a crucial late equalizer against Spain in the group stage.
- Won the 2. Bundesliga title with Werder Bremen in 2022, scoring 19 goals to help secure immediate promotion back to the top flight.
Did You Know?
He is known by the nickname 'Fülle' or 'Lücke' among fans and teammates.
Füllkrug suffered two serious knee injuries earlier in his career, which significantly delayed his breakthrough.
Before his prolific spell at Werder Bremen, he had a less successful stint at Hannover 96, where he struggled with injuries.
He scored his first ever Bundesliga goal for Werder Bremen back in 2012, a full decade before he became their main striker.
“I've always believed in my ability, even when others didn't. The path isn't the same for everyone.”
