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
Paulo Dybala scored the decisive penalty in the 2022 World Cup final shootout, securing Argentina's third title. Born in Laguna Larga, Córdoba, he started at Instituto de Córdoba before moving to Italy as a teenager. At Palermo, his technical skill earned the nickname 'La Joya' (The Jewel). He transferred to Juventus, where he became the creative engine of a team that won multiple Serie A titles and formed a productive partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. Injuries interrupted his rhythm, but he reinvented himself as a leader at Roma. The World Cup final saw him come off the bench and convert his spot kick, etching his name into Argentine football history.
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.”
