Percy Tau
A skillful and tenacious winger who became a trailblazing figure for South African football on the prestigious European stage.
Born 1994 (age 32)·South African footballer·Birthday: May 13·Millennials
Biography
Percy Tau's journey from the township of Witbank to the pitches of Europe reads like a footballing fairy tale. Nicknamed 'The Lion of Judah,' his dazzling footwork and eye for goal made him a star in the South African Premier Division, paving the way for a landmark move to English club Brighton & Hove Albion. Work permit hurdles, however, sent him on a tour of Europe—loans to clubs in Belgium and Portugal—where he consistently proved his quality, winning league titles and becoming a cult hero. Through it all, Tau remained the offensive linchpin for the South African national team, his creativity and goals carrying the hopes of a nation. His career symbolizes the breakthrough of South African talent into top European leagues, inspiring a generation of players back home.
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.
Percy was born in 1994, 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 Percy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Percy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
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
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Helped Club Brugge win the Belgian Pro League title during his loan spell in the 2019-2020 season.
- Was named the South African Football Association's Player of the Year in 2019.
- Played a key role in South Africa's qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring crucial goals in the campaign.
- Became the first South African to score in the UEFA Champions League group stages while playing for Club Brugge.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Christian and has a tattoo of a cross on his arm.
Tau owned a piece of a football club, Maritzburg United, in South Africa's Premier Soccer League.
His nickname, 'The Lion of Judah,' is a reference to his Rastafarian beliefs.
“My story is for every kid in the township who loves this game.”
