Paulo Dybala
An Argentine forward whose elegant left foot and creative spark have illuminated Serie A and helped deliver a World Cup to his nation.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: November 15·Millennials
Biography
Born in Laguna Larga, Córdoba, Paulo Dybala's path to stardom began at Instituto de Córdoba before a transformative move to Italy as a teenager. At Palermo, his dazzling technique earned him the nickname 'La Joya' (The Jewel), a promise fulfilled at Juventus where he became the creative heartbeat of a dynasty, winning multiple league titles and forming a potent partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. His career, marked by moments of sublime skill and frustrating injuries, took a new turn at Roma, where he reinvented himself as a leader. The pinnacle arrived in 2022, coming off the bench in the World Cup final to score in the penalty shootout, securing Argentina's third title and cementing his place in national lore.
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.
Paulo 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 Paulo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Paulo'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 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, scoring a penalty in the final shootout.
- Secured five Serie A titles during his tenure with Juventus from 2015 to 2022.
- Named Serie A's Most Valuable Player for the 2019–20 season.
- Scored over 100 goals in Italy's top flight across spells with Palermo, Juventus, and Roma.
Did You Know?
His signature 'mask' goal celebration is a tribute to his brothers who used to wear similar masks playing with him as a child.
He is an avid fan of the *Star Wars* franchise and has used themed cleats in matches.
He turned down a call-up to the Italian national team, choosing to wait for his chance with Argentina.
His transfer from Palermo to Juventus in 2015 was part of a complex deal that also involved other players moving between the clubs.
“I always said I wanted to win with the national team. I suffered, I was left out, I was criticized... but today I have the happiest ending.”
