Robbie Findley
A lightning-fast forward whose clutch goals for Real Salt Lake and memorable World Cup sprint defined a career of explosive, opportunistic moments.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American soccer player·Birthday: August 4·Millennials
Biography
Robbie Findley's soccer journey was built on pure, unadulterated speed. That blistering pace became his signature, a weapon he deployed to thrilling effect for MLS Cup winners Real Salt Lake. His most famous moment came in the 2009 final, where his perfectly timed run and cool finish helped secure the championship for RSL. That club success catapulted him onto the international stage, where he earned a spot on the 2010 U.S. World Cup squad. In South Africa, his speed stretched defenses, most memorably in the group stage against England where he nearly scored on a breakaway. While his club career later took him to England's Nottingham Forest and back across MLS, he remained a player defined by those sudden, game-changing bursts that could alter a match in an instant.
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.
Robbie was born in 1985, 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 Robbie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Robbie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a crucial goal in the 2009 MLS Cup final, helping Real Salt Lake win its first championship.
- Represented the United States at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, making two starts.
- Won the MLS Cup with Real Salt Lake in 2009.
- Finished as Real Salt Lake's joint-top scorer in the 2010 CONCACAF Champions League.
Did You Know?
He was a track star in high school, winning Oregon state titles in the 100 and 200 meters.
Findley is of Liberian descent.
He played college soccer at Oregon State University, where he was a two-time All-Pac-10 selection.
“Speed is a tool, but you have to make the right run to use it.”
