Simon Francis (footballer)
A steadfast English full-back whose career arc mirrored Bournemouth's fairy-tale climb from the lower leagues to the Premier League.
Born 1985 (age 41)·English footballer·Birthday: February 16·Millennials
Biography
Simon Francis's story is inextricably linked with AFC Bournemouth's remarkable ascent. A reliable and versatile defender, he joined the club in 2011 when they were in League One, and became a fixture in the side that achieved back-to-back promotions. Francis captained the team with a steady, unflinching demeanor, providing leadership on the right flank during their historic five-season stay in the Premier League. His consistency and work ethic made him a favorite of manager Eddie Howe, embodying the club's collective spirit. While he never earned a full England cap, his contribution to one of English football's most compelling modern narratives is undeniable. After retiring, he seamlessly transitioned into a technical director role at Bournemouth, helping to shape the club's future from the foundation he helped build.
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.
Simon was born in 1985, 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 Simon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Simon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained AFC Bournemouth from the Championship to the Premier League, securing promotion in the 2014-15 season.
- Made over 300 appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions during their rise.
- Played every minute of Bournemouth's first-ever Premier League season in 2015-16.
- Named AFC Bournemouth's Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season in the Championship.
Did You Know?
He began his professional career at Bradford City, making his debut at age 17.
Francis was actually signed by Bournemouth twice, first on loan in 2010 before making the move permanent in 2011.
He played in every outfield position except striker during his professional career.
After retirement, he became the club's first-ever First Team Technical Director.
“I was there for every step of that incredible climb.”
