Ruben Zadkovich
A fiery and uncompromising midfielder whose leadership on and off the pitch defined a career of grit across two continents.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Australian footballer·Birthday: May 23·Millennials
Biography
Ruben Zadkovich’s football journey was carved from pure determination. Born in Sydney, he left for England as a teenager, signing with Queens Park Rangers and later Notts County, where he learned the game's physical demands. Returning to Australia, he became a central figure for the Newcastle Jets and later Perth Glory, not just for his tough-tackling midfield play but for his vocal, demanding presence. He captained the Glory during a tumultuous period, often speaking bluntly about the club's standards, which cemented his reputation as a straight-shooter. After retiring, he immediately transitioned into coaching, taking the helm at Perth Glory and later Brisbane Roar, where his intense, no-excuses philosophy aimed to instil the same resilience he showed as a player. His three Socceroos caps were a hard-earned nod to his combative style.
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.
Ruben was born in 1986, 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 Ruben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ruben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
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
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained A-League side Perth Glory during his tenure as a player from 2012 to 2015.
- Earned three senior international caps for the Australian national team, the Socceroos.
- Appointed head coach of A-League club Brisbane Roar in 2022 after a stint leading Perth Glory.
- Played professional football in both England and Australia across a career spanning over a decade.
Did You Know?
He is known for a famous post-match interview in 2014 where he critically and emotionally addressed Perth Glory's culture.
Before his senior career, he represented Australia at the U-20 level.
His first coaching role was as player-manager for semi-professional NSW club Broadmeadow Magic.
“My approach was always to outwork everyone, because talent alone wasn't my gift.”
