Pajtim Kasami
A Swiss midfielder of Macedonian descent, he announced himself to the Premier League with one of its greatest ever volleyed goals.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: June 2·Millennials
Biography
Pajtim Kasami's career has been a globe-trotting search for consistency, forever punctuated by a single moment of sublime genius. A technically gifted midfielder, he emerged from the Swiss youth system with high expectations, joining Fulham in the English Premier League in 2011. It was there, in 2013, that he authored an instant classic: a first-time, swerving volley from an acute angle against Crystal Palace that is routinely listed among the league's best-ever goals. That flash of brilliance, however, proved difficult to sustain. His journey since has taken him across Europe, from Greece and Switzerland to Italy and back, with spells at clubs like Olympiacos, Basel, and Sion. Kasami's story is one of undoubted talent and nomadic club life, a player whose highlight reel contains a goal so perfect it defines his public legacy.
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.
Pajtim was born in 1992, 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 Pajtim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Pajtim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a sensational volley for Fulham against Crystal Palace in 2013, which was voted the Premier League's Goal of the Season.
- Won the Swiss Super League title with FC Basel in the 2016-17 season.
- Captained the Switzerland national under-21 team and represented the senior Swiss national team.
- Won the Greek Super League with Olympiacos in 2014 and 2015.
Did You Know?
He was born in Switzerland to ethnic Albanian parents from North Macedonia.
He played for the youth academies of both Grasshopper Club Zürich and Liverpool FC.
His famous volley for Fulham was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award for best goal of the year.
“That goal against Palace? Sometimes you just have to try it.”
