Teófilo Gutiérrez
A mercurial Colombian forward known for dazzling skill and explosive celebrations, embodying the flair and fire of South American football.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: May 17·Millennials
Biography
Teófilo 'Teo' Gutiérrez scored crucial goals for the Colombian national team alongside James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao, celebrating with his trademark 'telephone' gesture. Born in 1985, he emerged from Colombia's football grounds with technical brilliance and a powerful presence in the box. He became a talisman for Atlético Junior in Barranquilla, where his success won him enduring popularity. His club journey included notable spells in Argentina with Racing Club and in Brazil. Gutiérrez's game was charged with emotion and street-football creativity that could unlock any defense on his day, making him one of the most discussed figures in modern Colombian football.
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.
Teófilo 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 Teófilo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Teófilo'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 the Colombian national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
- Won multiple Colombian league titles (Categoría Primera A) with Atlético Junior.
- Was a key part of the Colombian squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Won the Copa Argentina in 2014 with Racing Club de Avellaneda.
Did You Know?
His famous goal celebration, where he mimics talking on an old-fashioned telephone, is known as 'el teléfono'.
He began his professional career with Barranquilla-based club Atlético Junior.
He played for Turkish club Trabzonspor during the 2015-16 season.
He was named the Colombian Footballer of the Year in 2013.
“I play with joy. When the ball is at my feet, the stadium sings.”
