Wilfried Bony
A powerful Ivorian striker whose thunderous goals in the Premier League and consistent scoring made him a cult hero at Swansea City.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Ivorian footballer·Birthday: December 10·Millennials
Biography
Wilfried Bony emerged from the prolific Ivorian football factory with a physique that belied a sharp technical edge. His rise in Europe was methodical: a potent spell in the Czech Republic was followed by a devastating period at Vitesse Arnhem, where he became the Eredivisie's top scorer. That form earned him a move to Swansea City, where he truly captured imaginations. In Wales, Bony was a force of nature, bullying defenders and scoring all types of goals, becoming the club's record signing at the time. A big-money transfer to Manchester City followed, though he struggled to secure a regular place in a star-studded squad. He remained a key figure for the Ivory Coast, winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and contributing vital goals. Bony's legacy is that of a classic number nine who, at his peak, was one of the most formidable physical presences in English 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.
Wilfried 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 Wilfried Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Wilfried'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
- Finished as the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie in the 2012-2013 season with 31 goals for Vitesse.
- Won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast in 2015, scoring in the quarter-final.
- Became Swansea City's then-record transfer signing when he joined from Vitesse in 2013.
Did You Know?
His full name is Wilfried Guemiand Bony.
He was named the Ivory Coast Footballer of the Year in 2012.
Before his professional career, he played for local club Issia Wazi in his home country.
“I learned to use my body as a weapon on the streets of Abidjan, then refined it on the training ground.”
