Cristian Eduardo Zapata Valencia born 30 September 1986 is a Colombian footballer. He currently plays for Villarreal as a defender, usually at centre back. He can also play at full back on either side as he is comfortable with both feet, although naturally right footed.Zapata was signed by Udinese on 31 August 2005 from Deportivo Cali, along with team-mate Abel Aguilar which both of them played at U-20 World Cup.
In October 2007, Zapata along with Andrea Dossena, Roman Eremenko and Simone Pepe were awarded new contracts until June 2012.
In June 2008, he was injured and missed 6 months.
In 2009–10 season, he usually played as central defender, partnered with Andrea Coda.
After the 2010–11 season, Cristian revealed that both many top european clubs were after him. He has since stated "I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to a deal happening." He signed for Villarreal CF on July 12, 2011.
Cristián Zapata was a member of Colombian U-20 team at 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship who lost to Argentina in the round of 16.
Zapata was injured in the first FIFA World Cup qualification match.
Player Details
Full name: Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia
Date of birth: September 30, 1986 (1986-09-30) (age 24)
Place of birth: Padilla, Colombia
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position: Defender
Club information
Current club: Villarreal
Number: TBA
Youth career
Deportivo Cali
Senior career
2004–2005 Deportivo Cali 17 (0)
2005–2011 Udinese 152 (3)
2011– Villarreal 0 (0)
National team
2007– Colombia 12 (0)
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