Roger Martínez
A powerful forward whose thunderous strike announced him to Colombia and whose career has chased that potential across continents.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: June 23·Millennials
Biography
Roger Martínez announced himself with a bang. In 2016, the powerful forward, then with Argentine giants Racing Club, unleashed a stunning long-range goal against Colombia's rivals, Brazil, in the Copa América. That moment of individual brilliance cemented his place in the national team's imagination. His career since has been a globe-trotting search for consistency to match his explosive potential. Possessing a formidable blend of strength, pace, and a hammer of a left foot, Martínez has been a coveted asset, leading to high-profile moves to China's Jiangsu Suning and later to Mexico's Club América. While his club journey has seen fluctuating fortunes, his role for Colombia remains defined by that capacity for the spectacular—a super-sub capable of changing a game's physics with one swing of his boot. He embodies the modern footballer's nomadic path, carrying the hopes of a nation with every touch.
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.
Roger 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 Roger Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Roger'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
- Scored a memorable long-range goal for Colombia against Brazil in the 2016 Copa América Centenario.
- Won the Chinese FA Cup with Jiangsu Suning in 2020, scoring in the final.
- Earned a transfer to Liga MX powerhouse Club América, one of the most followed clubs in the Americas.
Did You Know?
He holds both Colombian and Spanish citizenship.
He began his professional career in Argentina with Racing Club, where he came through the youth academy.
His goal against Brazil was nominated for the 2016 FIFA Puskás Award for best goal of the year.
“That goal against Brazil was for every Colombian who believed in me.”
