Yann Sommer
A Swiss goalkeeping stalwart whose cat-like reflexes and consistency made him a record-breaking shield for club and country.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: December 17·Millennials
Biography
Yann Sommer's rise to becoming Switzerland's most-capped goalkeeper is a story of steady excellence over flashy theatrics. After cutting his teeth at FC Basel, where he won multiple league titles, his defining chapter came at Borussia Mönchengladbach. For nearly a decade, he was the Bundesliga's model of reliability, pulling off spectacular saves with an economy of movement that belied his incredible agility. His performances for the Swiss national team have been equally vital, including a legendary display against France at Euro 2020 where he set a tournament record with 10 saves in a single match. In 2023, his sought-after consistency led him to Inter Milan, where he immediately broke a historic Serie A clean sheet record, proving his class adapts to any league.
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.
Yann 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 Yann Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Yann'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
- Became Switzerland's all-time leader in men's national team appearances as a goalkeeper.
- Set a Serie A record in 2023 by keeping 19 clean sheets in his first 24 matches for Inter Milan.
- Made a tournament-record 10 saves in a single match for Switzerland against France in the Euro 2020 knockout stages.
- Won multiple Swiss Super League titles with FC Basel and the Bundesliga Goalkeeper of the Season award in 2020/21.
Did You Know?
He is an accomplished pianist and has played since childhood.
He stands at 1.83m (6'0"), which is considered relatively short for a modern elite goalkeeper.
Before his professional football career, he completed an apprenticeship as a commercial clerk.
“I always try to be calm, to be the calmest person on the pitch. That spreads to the team.”
