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 saved two penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-final shootout against the Netherlands. Born in 1987 in Bernardo de Irigoyen, Argentina, he began his professional career at Racing Club before moving to AZ Alkmaar in 2007. He won the Eredivisie title with AZ in 2009. Romero then played for Sampdoria and Monaco before joining Manchester United in 2015, where he served as the primary goalkeeper in cup competitions and won the Europa League in 2017. Internationally, he was Argentina's first-choice goalkeeper from 2010 to 2018, starting in three Copa América tournaments and two World Cups. He kept a clean sheet in the 2014 final against Germany. Nicknamed 'Chiquito,' Romero earned 96 caps for Argentina. He later played for Boca Juniors and returned to Europe with Venezia in 2022.
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.”
