Roly Bonevacia
A dynamic midfielder with a Dutch football education who chose to represent his family's roots, becoming a key figure for Curaçao.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Curaçao footballer·Birthday: October 18·Millennials
Biography
Roly Bonevacia's career is a map of modern football's diaspora. Born in the Netherlands to parents from Curaçao, he was forged in the famed Ajax youth academy, a system known for technical brilliance. His professional journey, however, would be one of a globe-trotting journeyman. He never quite broke through at the highest level in Europe, instead carving a path through the Eredivisie, Australia's A-League, and later clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India. His international allegiance became a defining chapter. Eligible for the Netherlands, he instead answered the call from Curaçao, the Caribbean nation of his heritage. Since his 2019 debut, his experience and creative spark in midfield have been vital for a rising Curaçao side, making him a symbol of national pride and sporting connection across continents.
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.
Roly was born in 1991, 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 Roly Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Roly's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
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
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
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
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Developed in the prestigious youth academy of AFC Ajax in the Netherlands.
- Made his senior international debut for Curaçao in 2019, becoming a regular starter and key player.
- Won the A-League Premiership with the Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2012-13 season.
Did You Know?
His full name is Rolieny Nonato Luis Bonevacia.
He played alongside Dutch stars like Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld in the Ajax youth system.
He has played club football on four different continents: Europe, Australia, Asia, and currently in India.
“From the Ajax academy to the world, my boots have always spoken the same language.”
