Let's make this birthday one to remember.

51 years old (Born on October 17, 1973)

Happy Birthday, Marcus Phillips! A journeyman midfielder who gracefully dodged tackles and passport controls alike; nobody ever confused your boots for Messi’s—but rumor says you taught midfielders worldwide how to order coffee in five languages. Who else can claim equal mastery of corners on pitches from England to New Zealand?

Your career was about adventure more than silverware—though legend has it the fans still rave over that thunderbolt strike in Malaysia (or maybe that's just nostalgia talking?). Either way, celebrating another year today proves you've aged better than VAR decisions or Dutch cheese. Cheers—and here's hoping retirement is kinder than rival defenders ever were!