Duván Zapata
A powerful Colombian striker whose physical dominance and aerial threat made him a consistent goal source in Italy's Serie A.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Colombian footballer·Birthday: April 1·Millennials
Biography
Duván Zapata is a classic number nine, a battering ram of a forward who built a formidable career in Italy through sheer strength and a predator's instinct. Hailing from Cali, he cut his teeth in Argentina's league before Europe took notice. His breakout arrived at Sampdoria, but it was a two-year loan at Atalanta where he truly exploded, forming a devastating partnership with Papu Gómez. Under Gian Piero Gasperini's attacking system, Zapata became a goal machine, terrorizing defenses with his hold-up play and powerful runs. While a dream move to Napoli early in his career didn't fully ignite, his later years established him as one of the most reliable and physically imposing strikers in Serie A, a constant menace who delivered season after season for clubs fighting at the top end of the table.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Duván was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Duván Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Duván's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 23 goals in the 2018-19 Serie A season for Atalanta, helping the club achieve a historic third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
- Won the Copa Italia in 2014 with Napoli, coming on as a substitute in the final victory over Fiorentina.
- Has scored over 100 goals in Italy's Serie A across spells with Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria, Atalanta, and Torino.
- Represented Colombia at two FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2018) and two Copa América tournaments.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of fellow Colombian professional footballer Cristian Zapata, who played as a defender for AC Milan.
Before moving to Europe, he played for Club Atlético Estudiantes in the Argentine second division.
His first name, Duván, is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'bear'.
He shares his surname with a famous Colombian cyclist, Santiago 'Santi' Zapata.
“My job is to be a wall in the area and put the ball in the net.”
