Omar Arellano (footballer, born 1987)
A dynamic winger whose blistering pace and direct play made him a fan favorite and a key part of Guadalajara's historic championship run.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Mexican footballer·Birthday: June 18·Millennials
Biography
Omar Arellano Riverón emerged from the famed youth academy of C.D. Guadalajara, known as Chivas, a club famous for fielding only Mexican players. His career is inextricably linked to that institution. Breaking into the first team in the mid-2000s, Arellano quickly became known for his electrifying speed down the flank, a fearless approach to taking on defenders, and a knack for crucial goals. His peak coincided with one of Chivas's most glorious periods. He was an integral component of the squad that achieved the rare 'Double' in 2006, winning both the Mexican Primera División championship and the Copa Libertadores tournament in the same season, a feat that cemented his place in club lore. While his later career saw him play for other domestic sides, he remains defined by those explosive years in the red-and-white stripes, embodying the homegrown, attacking spirit Chivas fans cherish.
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.
Omar was born in 1987, 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 Omar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Omar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Mexican Primera División championship with C.D. Guadalajara in the Apertura 2006 tournament.
- Was a key squad member for Chivas when they won the 2006 Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition.
- Earned a call-up to the Mexican national team, making his senior debut in 2008 under coach Hugo Sánchez.
Did You Know?
His father, Omar Arellano Nuño, was also a professional footballer who played as a striker and represented Mexico.
He scored his first goal for Chivas in a Superclásico match against Club América, Mexican football's biggest rivalry.
After retiring, he transitioned into coaching within the Chivas youth system.
“My heart has always been with Chivas, and I gave everything for that shirt.”
