Sam Vokes
A towering Welsh striker whose crucial goals in Euro 2016 propelled his nation to an unforgettable semi-final run.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Welsh footballer·Birthday: October 21·Millennials
Biography
Born in Southampton to Welsh parents, Sam Vokes carved out a career defined by physicality and pivotal moments. His journey took him through several English clubs, finding his most prolific form at Burnley where his aerial dominance and work ethic made him a fan favorite. While his club career was one of steady service, his legacy was cemented in the red of Wales. Partnering with Hal Robson-Kanu, Vokes formed a formidable strike duo that powered Wales to their first major tournament in 58 years. His header against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter-final stands as one of the most iconic goals in Welsh football history, a moment of pure elation that captured the spirit of an entire nation's dream. His international career, though now concluded, is remembered for those explosive contributions on the biggest stage.
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.
Sam was born in 1989, 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 Sam Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Sam's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
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
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the third goal in Wales' historic 3-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Euro 2016 quarter-finals.
- Earned over 60 caps for the Wales national football team between 2008 and 2019.
- Won promotion to the English Premier League with Burnley in the 2015-16 season.
- Scored a hat-trick for Wales in a 6-0 win against China in 2018.
Did You Know?
He was born in England but chose to represent Wales through his Welsh-born father.
He made his professional debut at just 17 years old for AFC Bournemouth.
He and teammate Hal Robson-Kanu were nicknamed 'The Dragons' by Welsh fans during Euro 2016.
“You have to be ready for that one chance when it comes in the box.”
