Simon Poulsen
A dependable Danish left-back who carved out a solid career in European football, known for his steady presence on the pitch.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Danish footballer·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Simon Poulsen's football journey was defined by consistency and a strong work ethic. Hailing from Sønderborg, he developed his game in Denmark before making a significant move to the Dutch Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar. It was there he truly flourished, becoming a fixture in a team known for its tactical discipline. His reliable performances earned him a regular spot in the Danish national team setup for nearly a decade, where he contributed to their 2010 World Cup campaign. Poulsen wasn't a flashy player, but coaches valued his positional sense, his ability to join the attack, and his unwavering defensive duties. After stints in Belgium and a return to Denmark, he retired as a respected professional who maximized his abilities through sheer dedication.
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 1984, 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 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Simon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
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
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
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
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
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
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Dutch Eredivisie title and the Dutch Supercup with AZ Alkmaar in the 2008–2009 season.
- Earned over 30 caps for the Danish national team, representing his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- Played a key role in AZ Alkmaar's run to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.
Did You Know?
His father, Jan Poulsen, was a professional footballer and later the manager of the Danish national team.
He shares a birthday (October 7, 1984) with another footballer in this list, Salman Butt.
He began his senior club career with SønderjyskE in the Danish second division.
“My best football was played at AZ; we were a true unit.”
