Omar Gonzalez
A rock-solid defender who anchored the US national team's back line during its dramatic run to the 2014 World Cup knockout stage.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American soccer player·Birthday: October 11·Millennials
Biography
Born in Dallas to Mexican parents, Omar Gonzalez's path to soccer prominence was forged in college at Maryland, where his commanding physical presence caught the eye of MLS. Drafted by the LA Galaxy in 2009, he quickly became a defensive cornerstone, his aerial dominance and calm distribution helping the club to three MLS Cup titles in four years. His club success translated to the international stage, where he earned a starting role for the United States in Brazil 2014, delivering a series of crucial performances that included a vital goal-line clearance against Portugal. While later career moves to Mexico's Pachuca and various MLS teams saw fluctuating fortunes, his legacy remains tied to that golden era of US Soccer, embodying the tough, resilient defender who could change a game's momentum with a single challenge.
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 1988, 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 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Omar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three MLS Cup championships with the LA Galaxy (2011, 2012, 2014).
- Earned 52 caps for the United States men's national soccer team, playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Named MLS Defender of the Year and an MLS Best XI selection in 2011.
- Won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the United States in 2017.
Did You Know?
He stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, making him one of the tallest outfield players in USMNT history.
He was the first overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.
He played every minute of the USA's four matches at the 2014 World Cup.
His parents are from Monterrey, Mexico.
“My job is to stop the other team and keep the ball moving forward.”
