1. Alberto Zapater Arjol was born on 13 June 1985 and is a Spanish professional footballer who plays mainly as a defensive midfielder for Canadian Premier League club Atletico Ottawa.
12 Facts About Alberto Zapater
1. 2.
Alberto Zapater spent most of his career with Zaragoza, appearing in 422 official games and scoring 12 goals.
3.
Alberto Zapater joined his hometown side Real Zaragoza's academy at the age of 12.
4.
The first-team manager, former Spanish international Victor Munoz, was impressed enough, allowing Alberto Zapater to join them for preseason training.
5.
At just 19, Alberto Zapater went on to feature in 31 La Liga matches during the league campaign, netting in a 2 March 2005 defeat at Real Sociedad where he was sent off.
6.
Alberto Zapater held an emotional press conference before parting ways with his boyhood team, whilst fans paid tribute to the player dedicating a song to him.
7.
On 17 September 2009, Alberto Zapater had the distinction of scoring the first ever goal in the Europa League proper, with a fourth-minute strike against SK Slavia Prague.
8.
Alberto Zapater was sold to Sporting CP on 30 July 2010, as Miguel Veloso moved in the opposite direction.
9.
On 3 August 2011, Alberto Zapater moved to FC Lokomotiv Moscow on a free transfer, signing a five-year contract.
10.
On 19 June 2016, Alberto Zapater returned to Zaragoza after agreeing to a two-year deal.
11.
Alberto Zapater left the La Romareda in May 2023 after seven years in the Segunda Division, aged 38.
12.
Alberto Zapater took part in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, in a Spanish team that featured future senior internationals Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Llorente and David Silva.