Samir Nasri
A mercurial French midfielder of dazzling skill whose career burned brightly at Arsenal and Manchester City before controversy cast a shadow.
Born 1987 (age 39)·French footballer·Birthday: June 26·Millennials
Biography
Samir Nasri emerged from Marseille's academy as a prodigy, a playmaker with silky touch, low center of gravity, and a vision that promised to define a generation of French football. His move to Arsenal in 2008 showcased his best qualities: gliding past defenders, threading incisive passes, and scoring crucial goals. Seeking trophies, he transferred to Manchester City in 2011, where he became a central figure in the club's ascent, winning two Premier League titles. His style drew comparisons to Zinedine Zidane, but his career was also marked by a combustible temperament and friction with the French national team. A doping suspension in 2018, resulting from a banned intravenous treatment, abruptly curtailed his time at the highest level, leaving a legacy of sublime technical artistry intertwined with unfulfilled potential.
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.
Samir was born in 1987, 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 Samir Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Samir's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Premier League titles with Manchester City (2012, 2014), providing key assists and goals in both campaigns.
- Named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2010 during his time at Arsenal.
- Earned over 40 caps for the French national team and was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012.
- Won the French Player of the Year award in 2010, recognizing his standout performances for club and country.
Did You Know?
He was born in the same neighborhood in Marseille as French footballer Zinedine Zidane.
Nasri is a practicing Muslim and has spoken about the importance of his faith in his life.
He had a brief, high-profile loan spell at Spanish club Sevilla in 2016-17, where he helped them win a Copa del Rey.
“I don't regret anything. I made my choices, and I assume them.”
