Papiss Cissé
A Senegalese striker famed for his explosive left foot and a catalogue of spectacular, often physics-defying goals in the English Premier League.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Senegalese footballer·Birthday: June 3·Millennials
Biography
Papiss Cissé announced himself to European football with a prolific spell at FC Metz in France, but it was in Germany with SC Freiburg where he became a true force, scoring goals with relentless efficiency. His 2012 move to Newcastle United catapulted him to international fame. He immediately embarked on a stunning scoring run, but it was a single goal—a swerving, dipping, outrageous volley against Chelsea from an impossible angle—that cemented his legacy as a purveyor of the miraculous. While his later career was marked by fluctuations, that moment of genius, and his potent partnership with Demba Ba, secured his place as a cult hero. For Senegal, he was a consistent and dangerous presence, leading the line with athleticism and a striker's instinct.
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.
Papiss was born in 1985, 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 Papiss Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Papiss's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
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
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 13 goals in his first 12 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United in 2012, one of the most prolific starts in the league's history.
- Netted a famous, technically audacious curling volley against Chelsea in 2012, often cited as one of the Premier League's greatest ever goals.
- Finished as the top scorer in the 2. Bundesliga in the 2009–10 season with 18 goals for SC Freiburg.
Did You Know?
He wore the jersey number 9 at Newcastle United, a storied number for strikers at the club previously worn by legends like Alan Shearer.
He and compatriot Demba Ba were known as 'The Two Dembas' by Newcastle fans, though Cissé's first name is Papiss.
He is a devout Muslim and is known for his charitable work, particularly in his hometown of Sedhiou, Senegal.
“I just see the ball and I shoot. It is a feeling in the moment.”
