Tim Wiese
A flamboyant German goalkeeper whose dramatic saves were matched by his larger-than-life personality and post-football ventures.
Born 1981 (age 45)·German footballer·Birthday: December 17·Millennials
Biography
Tim Wiese's career in goal was defined by athleticism, a commanding presence, and moments of pure spectacle. He rose to prominence with Werder Bremen, where his reflexes helped the club secure a domestic double in 2004. A later move to Hoffenheim solidified his reputation as a Bundesliga mainstay, and he earned caps for the German national team during a period of fierce competition for the starting spot. Wiese was never just a player; his theatrical style, including confrontations with strikers and celebratory antics, made him a fan favorite and a media fixture. In a surprising second act, he leveraged his imposing physique to train as a professional wrestler with WWE, attempting a transition from the penalty area to the squared circle.
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 1981, 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 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
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
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the German Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Werder Bremen in the 2003-04 season.
- Earned six caps for the German national football team.
- Played over 250 matches in the German Bundesliga across his career.
Did You Know?
He signed a contract with WWE in 2016 and trained at the WWE Performance Center.
He holds a degree in business administration.
During his playing days, he was known for his exceptionally long goal kicks.
“A goalkeeper must be a little crazy to stand in front of that ball.”
