Tomi Jurić
A physically powerful Australian striker who became a key figure for the Socceroos, using his strength and hold-up play in crucial World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Australian soccer player·Birthday: July 22·Millennials
Biography
Tomi Juric carved out a reputation as the archetypal target man, a striker whose physicality and willingness to battle defenders made him a valuable asset for club and country. Born to Croatian parents in Australia, his professional journey was itinerant, taking him from the A-League, where he broke out with the Western Sydney Wanderers, to leagues in Croatia, Switzerland, China, and Bosnia. His peak coincided with the Socceroos' successful qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Juric wasn't always a prolific goal-scorer, but his ability to occupy center-backs, win aerial duels, and bring teammates into play was instrumental in Ange Postecoglou's system. He scored vital goals in the qualifying playoff against Syria and started in the intercontinental playoff win over Honduras. While his club career saw him move frequently, often struggling for consistent starting roles abroad, his contributions for the national team during a transitional period secured his place in Australian football history as a reliable and hard-working forward.
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.
Tomi was born in 1991, 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 Tomi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Tomi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
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 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a crucial goal in the second leg of the AFC playoff against Syria in 2017, helping Australia advance in World Cup qualification.
- Started as the lone striker in Australia's decisive 3-1 intercontinental playoff victory over Honduras that secured qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Won the AFC Champions League with the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2014, scoring in the semifinal.
- Earned over 40 caps for the Australian national team, representing them in the 2015 Asian Cup (which they won) and the 2018 World Cup.
Did You Know?
He is of Croatian descent and held a Croatian passport, which facilitated his moves to European clubs.
He began his professional career with Adelaide United but made his name with rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
He scored on his A-League debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2013-14 season.
He played for five different clubs in five different countries between 2015 and 2018.
“My job is to hold the ball up and bring others into the game.”
