Andrea Pirlo
Footballer; 2006 FIFA World Cup Winner
A prominent figure in football, played primarily as a midfielder. Achieved fame through time spent with clubs such as AC Milan and Juventus. Revolutionized the deep-lying playmaker role, renowned for exceptional vision and passing ability. Contributed significantly to Italy's success in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, providing key assists throughout the tournament. Retired from professional football in 2017 and later transitioned into management.
Won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy
Played for AC Milan, winning multiple Serie A titles and UEFA Champions League
Won Serie A titles with Juventus
Other People Born on May 19th
Pol Pot
Cambodian General and Prime Minister
Born
May 19th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1998 27 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent Cambodian general and politician, served as the 29th Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1976 to 1979. Led the Khmer Rouge regime, which implemented radical agrarian socialist policies in a quest to create a classless society. Oversaw mass executions, forced labor camps, and widespread famine during the Cambodian genocide, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. Regime ended when Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia in 1979. After his regime, spent years in exile and continued to lead a guerrilla movement until his arrest and death in 1998.
Continue ReadingMax Perutz
Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 19th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2002 24 years ago — 87 years old
Austrian-English biologist specialized in the study of protein structure. Conducted pioneering research using X-ray crystallography to understand hemoglobin. Contributed significantly to the field of molecular biology through the elucidation of protein structure. Spent much of academic career at the University of Cambridge and founded the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Continue ReadingMitja Ribičič
Yugoslav politician and Prime Minister
Born
May 19th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 94 years old
A soldier and politician, served as the 25th Prime Minister of Yugoslavia from 1978 to 1982. Played a significant role in the Yugoslav government during a period of economic and political challenges. Held various positions within the Communist Party and was involved in the country's administration, contributing to policy-making and governance.
Continue ReadingNicholas Winton
Humanitarian known for saving children
Born
May 19th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 106 years old
A banker and humanitarian organized the rescue of 669 children, mostly Jewish, from Czechoslovakia before World War II. The effort took place in 1939, facilitating their travel to safety in the United Kingdom. Winton maintained secrecy about the operation for many years, but after details emerged, efforts to acknowledge his work gained attention. In addition to his humanitarian efforts, he played a role in various charitable initiatives later in life, receiving honors for his contributions to society.
Continue ReadingFrank Luke
American World War I flying ace
Born
May 19th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1918 108 years ago — 21 years old
Served as a fighter pilot during World War I. Achieved recognition for aerial combat prowess and for being one of the first aviators to earn the Medal of Honor. Completed a notable mission that involved attacking enemy balloons, leading to a high number of confirmed aerial victories. His contributions to the air war significantly advanced the tactics of aerial combat. Died in action in 1918 while engaging enemy aircraft.
Continue ReadingAlan Melville
South African cricketer, Test player
Born
May 19th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
1983 43 years ago — 73 years old
An accomplished cricketer, this individual played for the South African national team during the 1930s. Debuting in Test cricket in 1935, contributed to several important matches. In addition to his role as a middle-order batsman, also served as a captain. Transitioned to first-class cricket, achieving significant success. After retiring, took on various roles in sports administration and journalism.
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