Tjaronn Chery
A creative midfielder with a powerful left foot who became a globetrotting professional and a late-blooming international for Suriname.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Surinamese footballer·Birthday: June 4·Millennials
Biography
Tjaronn Chery's football journey is a map of European and Middle Eastern leagues. A product of the Ajax youth academy, the attacking midfielder never broke through at the Amsterdam giant but instead forged a successful career as a technical, goal-threatening playmaker elsewhere. He found his footing in the Netherlands with FC Groningen, where his vision and set-piece prowess made him a fan favorite, before embarking on spells in Israel, China, and Qatar. Chery's story took a poignant turn in 2021 when he accepted a call-up to the Suriname national team, connecting with his heritage later in his career. His time with Suriname included a memorable CONCACAF Gold Cup appearance, adding an international chapter to a professional life defined by adaptability and a consistent ability to deliver moments of quality, no matter the shirt he wore.
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.
Tjaronn was born in 1988, 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 Tjaronn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Tjaronn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Israeli State Cup with Maccabi Haifa in 2018.
- Helped FC Groningen win the KNVB Cup in 2015, their first major trophy.
- Represented Suriname at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, their first appearance in the tournament.
- Scored over 50 professional goals as a midfielder across various top-flight leagues.
Did You Know?
His full name, Tjaronn Inteff Chefren Chery, includes references to ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
He played alongside Dutch legends like Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt during his time in Turkey.
He was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and represented Suriname through his father's heritage.
“You have to adapt to each league, but the ball and the goal are always the same.”
