Tim Breukers
A dependable Dutch defender whose professional journey was a masterclass in loyalty and steady performance at the highest levels of the Eredivisie.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Dutch professional footballer·Birthday: November 4·Millennials
Biography
Tim Breukers embodied the value of a reliable, no-nonsense defender over a solid decade in Dutch football. Born in 1987 in Almelo, his entire professional career was defined by a deep connection to one club: Heracles Almelo. He joined their youth academy and, apart from a brief early loan, spent his entire tenure with the first team from 2006 to 2017. Operating primarily as a right-back, Breukers was not a flashy, marauding full-back but a tactically astute and physically strong defender who understood his role perfectly. He was a fixture in the side, amassing over 250 Eredivisie appearances and providing crucial stability as Heracles consistently punched above its weight. His leadership was recognized with the captain's armband, and his career stands as a reminder that longevity and consistency at a single club can forge a legacy just as meaningful as trophies.
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.
Tim was born in 1987, 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 Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 250 Eredivisie appearances, all for his boyhood club Heracles Almelo.
- Captained Heracles Almelo for several seasons.
- Helped Heracles achieve multiple mid-table and top-half finishes in the Eredivisie, including a 6th-place finish in 2010-11.
- Played in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds with Heracles Almelo.
Did You Know?
His father, Gerard Breukers, was also a professional footballer who played for Heracles Almelo.
He retired from professional football in 2017 at the age of 30 due to a chronic knee injury.
He played every minute of the 2011-12 Eredivisie season for Heracles.
After retirement, he moved into a coaching role within the Heracles Almelo youth academy.
“My heart has always been with Heracles, from the youth team to the captaincy.”
