Zdravko Kuzmanović
A technically gifted Serbian midfielder whose powerful left foot and World Cup presence defined a solid European career.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Serbian footballer·Birthday: September 22·Millennials
Biography
Born in Switzerland to Serbian parents, Zdravko Kuzmanović's football journey was a European tour of grit and technique. He honed his skills in the Basel youth academy before making a bold move to Italy's Fiorentina at just 19. His powerful left foot and composure in defensive or central midfield caught the eye of German giants VfB Stuttgart, where he became a Bundesliga mainstay for over four seasons. Kuzmanović's career pinnacle was representing Serbia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a moment of national pride. Later spells with Inter Milan and a return to Basel saw his playing style mature into a more disciplined, anchoring role before his retirement, leaving a legacy of a player who consistently performed at the highest club levels.
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.
Zdravko was born in 1987, 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 Zdravko Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Zdravko's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented Serbia in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing in all three group stage matches.
- Made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for VfB Stuttgart, establishing himself as a key midfielder.
- Won the Swiss Super League title with FC Basel in the 2016–2017 season.
- Played in the UEFA Champions League for both Inter Milan and FC Basel.
Did You Know?
He was born in Thun, Switzerland, and held Swiss citizenship but chose to represent Serbia internationally.
His father, Slobodan Kuzmanović, was also a professional footballer.
He scored his first Serie A goal for Fiorentina against Juventus.
“I always gave my best for the shirt, no matter which club I was playing for.”
