Paul Pogba
A French midfielder whose sublime technical grace and World Cup triumph were shadowed by off-field turbulence and a controversial career arc.
Born 1993 (age 33)·French footballer·Birthday: March 15·Millennials
Biography
Paul Pogba's narrative is one of dazzling highs and perplexing lows. Emerging from Manchester United's academy, he left for Juventus where his powerful frame, visionary passing, and penchant for the spectacular quickly established him as one of the world's most complete midfielders. His 2016 world-record return to Manchester United was meant to herald a new dynasty, but instead became a saga of inconsistent performances, public friction with managers, and persistent injury woes. Yet, on the international stage, he was invariably transcendent. Pogba was the engine of France's 2018 World Cup victory, delivering a masterclass in the final. His club career, however, ended under the cloud of a doping suspension. Pogba's legacy is complex: a player who possessed every physical and technical gift, whose peak moments were pure footballing art, but whose club journey never matched the serene dominance he displayed in the blue of France.
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.
Paul was born in 1993, 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 Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, scoring in the 4-2 final victory over Croatia.
- Secured four consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus from 2013 to 2016 after leaving Manchester United.
- Won the UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup in his first season back with Manchester United in 2016-17.
- Awarded the Best Young Player award at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Muslim and has performed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
His older twins, born in 2019, are named Leya and Késyl.
He starred in a popular YouTube video with comedian and friend MIHDI doing 'dab' celebrations, popularizing the move.
He was named captain of the French national team in 2018 but stepped down from the role in 2019.
“I hear talk about my transfer, my haircuts, my dancing... but never about my football.”
