Roman Bürki
A Swiss goalkeeper who traded the pressure of Borussia Dortmund's goal for a pioneering role in building an MLS expansion team from scratch.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: November 14·Millennials
Biography
Roman Bürki's career is a study in high-stakes environments. He first made his name in the Swiss Super League with Grasshoppers before a move to Germany's SC Freiburg cemented his reputation as a reliable, shot-stopping presence. His big break came with a transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 2015, where for years he was the last line of defense for one of Europe's most attacking and scrutinized clubs. Under the yellow wall at Signal Iduna Park, he faced down Bayern Munich and Champions League giants, experiencing both thrilling title races and intense public pressure. In a bold late-career move, he left that established world for a new challenge in America, becoming the first designated player for the expansion St. Louis City SC. In St. Louis, he wasn't just a goalkeeper; he was a foundational leader, helping to set a culture and exceeding all expectations by backstopping the new club to a first-place conference finish in its inaugural season.
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.
Roman was born in 1990, 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 Roman Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Roman's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
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
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) with Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and 2021.
- Was the starting goalkeeper for Borussia Dortmund for over 150 matches across all competitions.
- Earned nine caps for the Swiss national team between 2014 and 2018.
- Played a key role in St. Louis City SC winning the Western Conference in its inaugural 2023 MLS season.
Did You Know?
He is a licensed commercial pilot and has expressed a desire to fly professionally after his football career.
He shares a birthday (November 14) with his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Marco Reus.
He began his professional career at FC Münsingen in the Swiss lower leagues.
“Playing in front of 80,000 people at Dortmund demands absolute concentration.”
