Raphael Spiegel
A Swiss goalkeeper whose career path took him from the Premier League to becoming a steady, experienced presence in the North American soccer landscape.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: December 19·Millennials
Biography
Raphael Spiegel's professional journey is a testament to persistence and adaptability in the global goalkeeping fraternity. A product of the FC Basel academy, he made the bold move to England as a teenager, signing with West Ham United. His time there was defined by loan spells—a common rite of passage for young keepers—that took him across England and Germany, from Yeovil Town to Carlisle United, building his match sharpness in the gritty environments of the lower leagues. While a permanent breakthrough at the highest level remained elusive, Spiegel carved out a solid career as a reliable number one, most notably with Bohemians in the League of Ireland, where he became a fan favorite for his consistent performances. His path later led him to the United States, where he brought his European experience to the USL Championship with Oakland Roots, serving as a veteran leader between the posts and helping to stabilize the club's defense.
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.
Raphael was born in 1992, 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 Raphael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Raphael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was part of the West Ham United squad that gained promotion to the English Premier League via the Championship playoffs in the 2011-12 season.
- Earned the Bohemians FC Player of the Year award for the 2019 season after a standout campaign in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
- Made over 50 appearances for Bohemians, establishing himself as a first-choice goalkeeper during his tenure.
- Helped Oakland Roots SC secure a playoff berth in the USL Championship during the 2023 season.
Did You Know?
He is a former Switzerland youth international, having represented his country at the U-19 and U-21 levels.
Spiegel made his professional debut in a Swiss Challenge League match for FC Vaduz while on loan from West Ham.
He holds a Swiss passport and does not occupy a foreign player slot in leagues with such restrictions.
His brother, Nicolas Spiegel, is also a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.
“I came to England at sixteen to learn a different way of goalkeeping.”
