Cristián Zapata
Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia (born 30 September 1986) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Brazilian club Vitória. A quick and physically powerful defender, known for his hard marking of opponents and strength in the air, he usually plays as a centre back. Although naturally right footed, he can also play as a full-back on either side of the pitch, as he is comfortable with both feet.
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Zapata with Colombia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia | |||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 30 September 1986 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Padilla, Colombia | |||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | |||||||||||||||||||
| Team information | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current team | Vitória | |||||||||||||||||||
| Number | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deportivo Cali | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2005 | Deportivo Cali | 17 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2011 | Udinese | 168 | (5) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2013 | Villarreal | 28 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2012–2013 | → Milan (loan) | 23 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2013–2019 | Milan | 88 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2019–2021 | Genoa | 32 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021–2022 | San Lorenzo | 50 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Atlético Nacional | 38 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2024– | Vitória | 1 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007–2019 | Colombia | 58 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:00, 16 February 2024 (UTC) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Zapata began his career in Colombia with Deportivo Cali in 2004, moving to Serie A club Udinese the following year. After spending several seasons with Udinese, Zapata signed for Spanish club Villarreal. In 2012, he returned to Italy, joining AC Milan. Following the expiration of his contract with the Rossoneri, he joined Italian top-flight counterpart Genoa in 2019, departing in 2021 to join Argentine Primera División side San Lorenzo.
A Colombian international since 2008, he has represented his nation at the 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2019 editions of the Copa América, as well at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.