Paolo Hurtado
A Peruvian winger whose technical flair and international career made him a symbol of his country's footballing resurgence.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Peruvian footballer·Birthday: July 27·Millennials
Biography
Paolo Hurtado's career unfolded across continents, representing the global pathways for modern Peruvian players. A product of Alianza Lima's academy, his quick feet and creativity earned him a move to Europe while still a young prospect. Though he never settled at one club for long, his journeys through Portugal, Turkey, and Poland showcased a player with undeniable skill on the ball. Hurtado's importance is also measured in his service to the Peruvian national team during a golden generation. He contributed to their return to the World Cup in 2018 after a 36-year absence, embodying the technical verve and fighting spirit that characterized that historic squad.
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.
Paolo was born in 1990, 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 Paolo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Paolo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was part of the Peru national team squad that qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, ending a 36-year drought.
- Won the Portuguese Cup (Taça de Portugal) with GD Estoril Praia in the 2014-15 season.
- Earned over 30 caps for the Peruvian national team, scoring in a 2018 friendly against Croatia.
Did You Know?
His full name includes 'Cristopher' and 'César', but he is universally known as Paolo Hurtado.
He played for seven different clubs in a seven-year span across Europe and the Americas.
He made his professional debut for Alianza Lima at the age of 17 in the Peruvian Primera División.
“I always try to give my best for the shirt I'm wearing.”
