Sergio Romero
The steadfast Argentine goalkeeper who served as a reliable last line of defense for his country's golden generation, including in a World Cup final.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: February 22·Millennials
Biography
Sergio Romero's career is defined by patience and pivotal moments in the brightest lights. For over a decade, he was the dependable understudy to more celebrated goalkeepers at top European clubs like AZ Alkmaar, Sampdoria, and Manchester United, where he served as a capable cup goalkeeper. His true stage, however, was always the international one. Nicknamed 'Chiquito,' Romero became Argentina's first-choice keeper under coach Alejandro Sabella and a trusted component of the Lionel Messi-led squad that contended for major honors. His finest hour came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where his shot-stopping was crucial in Argentina's run to the final. He delivered a legendary performance in the semi-final penalty shootout against the Netherlands, saving two kicks and cementing his place in Argentine football lore. While his club career was one of service, his national team tenure was one of essential, ice-veined execution when it mattered most.
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.
Sergio 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 Sergio 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
Sergio'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
- Was Argentina's starting goalkeeper in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final against Germany.
- Made two critical saves in the penalty shootout against the Netherlands to send Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final.
- Earned over 90 caps for the Argentine national team across three World Cup cycles.
- Won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in 2017, playing in the final.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Chiquito' means 'little one' in Spanish.
He kept a clean sheet in his senior international debut against Guatemala in 2009.
Romero was signed by Manchester United while managed by his former international coach, Louis van Gaal.
He began his professional career at Racing Club in Argentina.
“My job is to be ready, always, for that one moment the team needs me.”
