Raul Rusescu
A clinical Romanian striker whose predatory instincts in the box made him a feared figure in Eastern European football for over a decade.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Romanian footballer·Birthday: July 9·Millennials
Biography
Raul Rusescu’s career was a testament to the classic poacher’s art, a player who seemed to possess an innate sense of where the ball would land inside the penalty area. Emerging from the youth ranks of Steaua București, his breakout came not in Romania’s capital, but during a prolific loan spell at FC Brașov. This led to a defining period at Steaua, where his goal-scoring consistency helped secure league titles and made him a fan favorite. His talents drew him to Western Europe with a move to Sevilla, though his journey there was brief, leading to impactful spells back in Romania and Bulgaria. Rusescu’s story is one of a specialist, a forward whose entire value was distilled into decisive moments of finishing, leaving a legacy of crucial goals rather than flashy highlights.
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.
Raul was born in 1988, 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 Raul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Raul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Romanian Liga I title twice with Steaua București in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons.
- Finished as the top scorer in the Romanian Liga I for the 2012–13 season while playing for Steaua București.
- Scored over 100 career goals in Romanian and Bulgarian top-flight football.
- Earned a transfer to La Liga side Sevilla FC in 2013 following his goal-scoring exploits in Romania.
Did You Know?
He shares his first name, Raul, with the legendary Spanish striker Raúl González, though he is not named after him.
Despite being a striker, he was known for his calm and composed penalty-taking style.
He played for rival Romanian clubs Steaua București and Dinamo București at different points in his career.
“My job is simple: be in the right place when the ball comes.”
