Suso Santana
A dynamic winger whose relentless energy and pinpoint crosses defined his decade-long career in Spain's top flight, becoming a fan favorite at Tenerife.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Spanish footballer·Birthday: March 2·Millennials
Biography
Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Suso Santana's footballing journey was a testament to local passion and unwavering persistence. He rose through the ranks of CD Tenerife, embodying the spirit of the Canary Islands club with his direct style and work rate on the right flank. His peak years saw him become a crucial component of the team that achieved promotion to La Liga in 2009, where he more than held his own against the continent's elite defenders. While his international opportunities were limited, his loyalty and explosive performances cemented his status as a symbol of his home club. After leaving Tenerife, he played for several other Spanish sides before retiring, his name forever linked with the roar of the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium.
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.
Suso 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 Suso Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Suso'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
- Played a key role in CD Tenerife's promotion to La Liga for the 2009-10 season.
- Made over 250 competitive appearances for CD Tenerife across two spells with the club.
- Scored in a Copa del Rey quarter-final victory against Racing Santander in 2010.
- Earned a call-up to the Spain national team for a friendly in 2008, though he did not make an appearance.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Suso' is a common diminutive for Jesús in the Canary Islands.
He scored his first professional goal for Tenerife against Real Madrid's reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla.
He played alongside future Barcelona star David Silva during his time at Eibar early in his career.
“I gave everything for Tenerife; this club is in my blood.”
