Paul Robinson (footballer, born 1979)
An England goalkeeper whose career was a rollercoaster of spectacular saves, memorable goals, and Premier League longevity.
Born 1979 (age 47)·English association football player·Birthday: October 15·Generation X
Biography
Paul Robinson's journey in goal was defined by both breathtaking highs and unforgettable blunders, making him one of the Premier League's most discussed custodians for over a decade. He broke through at Leeds United, becoming a mainstay during their thrilling Champions League adventures. A move to Tottenham Hotspur solidified his status, where his sharp reflexes and surprising prowess with the ball at his feet—including a famous long-range goal against Watford—made him a fan favorite. He inherited the England number one jersey, representing his country 41 times, but his international career was also marked by a freak goal from a backpass that bobbled over his foot. Later spells at Blackburn and Burnley showcased his resilience and experience. Robinson's career arc was human and compelling, a testament to surviving the intense scrutiny of the modern goalkeeper.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Paul was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
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
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
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
2000Turned 21
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2009Turned 30
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
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 41 caps for the England national football team between 2003 and 2007.
- Scored a Premier League goal from his own area for Tottenham Hotspur against Watford in 2007.
- Won the Football League Cup with Tottenham Hotspur in 2008.
- Played in the UEFA Champions League semifinal with Leeds United in 2001.
- Made over 350 appearances in the English Premier League across his career.
Did You Know?
He is one of only five goalkeepers to have scored a goal in the Premier League.
His first England cap came as a substitute for the injured David James in a friendly against Australia in 2003.
He started his career at York City before being signed by Leeds United.
The infamous backpass goal against Croatia in 2006 came from a backpass by Gary Neville.
“You have to be strong mentally to be a goalkeeper; one mistake and everyone remembers it.”
