Stijn Schaars
A cerebral Dutch midfielder known for his tactical intelligence and precise passing, who transitioned seamlessly into coaching after his playing days.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Dutch footballer·Birthday: January 11·Millennials
Biography
Stijn Schaars carved out a reputation in Dutch and Portuguese football as the thinking man's midfielder. Less about flashy dribbles and more about controlling the tempo, his game was defined by an exceptional football brain, crisp distribution, and fierce competitiveness. He emerged from the famed AZ Alkmaar academy, becoming a linchpin for the club and captaining them to a surprise Eredivisie title in 2009. A move to Sporting CP in Portugal followed, where he adapted his game and became a fan favorite for his commitment and leadership. Injuries later hampered his stint at PSV, but his understanding of the game was always evident. This made his move into coaching feel inevitable. After retiring, he quickly ascended, taking charge of Jong PSV, where he now shapes the next generation of talent with the same tactical acuity he displayed on the pitch.
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.
Stijn 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 Stijn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Stijn'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
- Captained AZ Alkmaar to the Eredivisie championship in the 2008-09 season.
- Earned 24 caps for the Netherlands national team, including appearances at UEFA Euro 2012.
- Played over 100 matches for Portuguese giants Sporting CP in Primeira Liga and European competition.
Did You Know?
He is known for being an avid chess player, which aligns with his tactical approach to football.
He speaks fluent Portuguese after his years playing in Lisbon.
He retired as a player in 2019 and became head coach of Jong PSV in 2022.
“You control the game by seeing the picture two passes before everyone else.”
