Duván Esteban Zapata Banguero launched his professional career at América de Cali in 2008, swiftly establishing himself as a prolific forward. Since departing his native Colombia, the striker has carved out a significant tenure in Italian football, representing multiple top-tier clubs while emerging as a key figure for the national team throughout various international tournaments.
Early Career and Move to Argentina
Zapata joined the youth academy of América de Cali at age thirteen. He made his senior debut on 18 May 2008 against Boyaca Chico. By 2011, he recorded his first career hat-trick during a victory over Deportivo Pereira. Later that year, he moved to Estudiantes in Argentina on loan, eventually securing a permanent move after scoring 16 goals in 33 games during the 2012–13 season. A planned transfer to West Ham United failed in 2013 despite a £6.7 million fee agreement.
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In August 2013, Zapata signed with Napoli. He debuted in Serie A that September and netted his first UEFA Champions League goal against Marseille in October. After stints at Udinese and Sampdoria, he joined Atalanta on loan in 2018. His performance peaked during the 2018–19 season, where he scored four goals against Frosinone and matched the scoring records of Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Quagliarella. His efforts helped Atalanta reach the Champions League, earning him a spot in the Serie A team of the year.
Torino and International Play
Zapata transitioned to Torino in 2023, eventually becoming club captain. His tenure there included a recovery from a severe ACL injury sustained in October 2024. Internationally, he debuted for Colombia in March 2017 during a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia. He participated in both the 2019 and 2021 Copa América tournaments. During the 2019 competition, he scored against Argentina and Qatar, helping his team navigate the group stages before securing a third-place finish in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 April 1991, Cali
- Professional debut: 18 May 2008
- Primary position: Forward
- Italian clubs: Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria, Atalanta, Torino
- International debut: 23 March 2017
- 2019 Copa América: Scored against Argentina and Qatar
- Major injury: ACL tear, 6 October 2024
Questions readers ask
Which Italian clubs has Zapata played for?
He has played for Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria, Atalanta, and Torino.
Did Zapata play in the 2018 World Cup?
He was named to the preliminary 35-man squad but was not included in the final 23-man roster.
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