Ron Vlaar
A no-nonsense Dutch defender nicknamed 'Concrete Ron' for his robust tackling, who became a cult hero at Aston Villa and for the Netherlands.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Dutch former footballer·Birthday: February 16·Millennials
Biography
Ron Vlaar's football identity was built on uncompromising physicality and straightforward defending. Coming through the AZ Alkmaar academy, he developed into a commanding centre-back, winning the Eredivisie in 2009. A move to Feyenoord followed, where he captained the side and solidified his reputation. His performances earned him a transfer to the English Premier League with Aston Villa, where his tough, old-school style quickly endeared him to fans who dubbed him 'Concrete Ron'. Vlaar's peak moment came on the international stage at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. As a starter in Louis van Gaal's squad, he delivered a series of immense performances, particularly in the knockout stages, helping the Netherlands secure a surprising third-place finish. Injuries later hampered his club career, but his World Cup showing remains a definitive chapter in his story of defensive grit.
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.
Ron 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 Ron Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Ron'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
- Won the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Super Cup with AZ Alkmaar in the 2008-09 season.
- Played every minute of the Netherlands' 2014 World Cup campaign, starting all 7 matches as they finished third.
- Captained Feyenoord for two seasons, leading the team to a second-place Eredivisie finish in 2012.
- Made over 100 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa across three seasons.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Concrete Ron' was given to him by Aston Villa fans for his tough-tackling style.
Vlaar began his professional career as a left-back before transitioning to centre-back.
He scored his only goal for the Netherlands in a 2012 friendly against Germany.
After leaving Aston Villa, he returned to AZ Alkmaar, the club where he first won a league title.
“My job was simple: win the duel and clear the danger.”
