Raphaël Guerreiro
A versatile Portuguese defender whose technical brilliance and attacking flair from the left flank have made him a coveted asset for club and country.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Footballer·Birthday: December 22·Millennials
Biography
Born in France to a Portuguese father and a French mother, Raphaël Guerreiro’s career embodies a fusion of European footballing cultures. His path to the elite was not a straight line; he developed in the French academy system before making a defining move to Germany with Borussia Dortmund in 2016. At Dortmund, he transformed from a promising full-back into a multifaceted weapon. While nominally starting on the left side of defense, Guerreiro’s game is defined by his midfield instincts—sublime first touch, inventive passing, and a dangerous shot from distance. This hybrid skill set made him a favorite of tactical managers who valued fluidity, allowing him to drift inside and orchestrate play. His contributions were central to Dortmund’s DFB-Pokal victories and their consistent Champions League campaigns. A key figure in Portugal's triumphant 2016 European Championship squad, Guerreiro’s legacy is that of a modern full-back who redefined the position’s offensive expectations, proving that defensive players can be among the most creative forces on the pitch.
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.
Raphaël 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 Raphaël Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Raphaël'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
- Was a starting left-back for the Portugal national team that won UEFA Euro 2016.
- Won two DFB-Pokal titles with Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and 2021.
- Named in the UEFA Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament for his performances.
- Signed for German powerhouse Bayern Munich in 2023 on a free transfer.
Did You Know?
He was eligible to play for either France or Portugal at international level and chose Portugal in 2013.
His younger brother, Léo Guerreiro, is also a professional footballer.
He is known for being an avid chess player, which he says helps his tactical thinking on the pitch.
“I play where I'm needed, but I always carry Portugal in my heart.”
