
Boris Yeltsin
1931 – 2007Soviet and Russian politician who became the first President of Russia, serving from 1991 to 1999. He played a crucial role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Russia's transition to a market economy.
14 notable people were born on February 1.
February 1 is the birth date of several historical figures, including political leaders and monarchs. Notable individuals born on this date include Christian I of Denmark in 1426, the founder of the Oldenburg dynasty, and Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza García in 1896. It is also the birth date of Bangladeshi political leaders Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Shahabuddin Ahmed, and Iajuddin Ahmed, who were all born within five years of each other in the 1930s.

Soviet and Russian politician who became the first President of Russia, serving from 1991 to 1999. He played a crucial role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Russia's transition to a market economy.

Bangladeshi military officer who seized power in a coup in 1982 and ruled as President until 1990. He later founded the Jatiya Party and served in parliament until his death in 2019.

Argentine striker known as 'Batigol' who scored 56 goals in 78 international appearances and was the top scorer at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He played for clubs including Fiorentina, where he became a legend, and later AS Roma.

Hong Kong film director and producer who revolutionized action cinema with groundbreaking wire work and special effects in films like 'A Better Tomorrow' and 'Once Upon a Time in China.' He is credited with launching the careers of John Woo and other major Hong Kong filmmakers.

Paraguayan defender who played for clubs including Toulouse and Sunderland, earning over 100 caps for his national team across three World Cups.

Icelandic striker who has played for clubs across Europe including FC Augsburg and Real Sociedad. He was Iceland's leading scorer during their qualification for the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

Indian film actor who became a prominent Bollywood star in the 1980s and 1990s, known for his roles in films like Hero and Ram Lakhan.

Bangladeshi academic and diplomat who served as the 18th President of Bangladesh from 2002 to 2009. He was previously a university professor and served as Bangladesh's ambassador to several countries.
Former Slovenian midfielder who captained the national team and played for clubs including Benfica and Valencia during his career.

Icelandic politician and environmentalist who served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2024, becoming the youngest person to hold the office. She led a coalition government focused on climate action and social equality.

Bangladeshi jurist who served as President of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001 and was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He played a key role in Bangladesh's democratic transition.

Taekwondo athlete who won Jordan's first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the men's 68kg division.

King of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden who founded the University of Copenhagen in 1479 and established the Oldenburg dynasty's rule over Denmark.

Nicaraguan military leader and dictator who founded the Somoza family dynasty, ruling as President from 1937-1947 and 1950-1956. He was assassinated in 1956.