Sergio Zárate Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Sergio Zárate is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He is known for his impressive performance in the Bundesliga and the Primera División de México apart from his native Argentina. Born on October 14, 1969, in Haedo, Morón Partido, Zárate started his football career with Vélez Sarsfield, where he spent four years in the Argentinian Primera División.
Throughout his career, Zárate played for various clubs in different countries, including Germany, Mexico, and Argentina. He was a versatile player and could play in various positions, such as midfield, forward, and winger. Zárate’s impressive skills and dedication to the sport earned him a reputation as one of the most talented Argentine footballers of his time.
Zárate’s football career spanned over a decade, during which he won several titles and awards. He retired from professional football in 2001 and has since been involved in coaching and other football-related activities. This article will provide an in-depth look into the life and career of Sergio Zárate, from his early years to his retirement and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Sergio Zárate is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as a midfielder and is known for his impressive performance in the Bundesliga and the Primera División de México apart from his native Argentina.
- Throughout his career, Zárate played for various clubs in different countries, including Germany, Mexico, and Argentina, and was a versatile player who could play in various positions.
- Zárate’s football career spanned over a decade, during which he won several titles and awards, and he retired from professional football in 2001 to pursue coaching and other football-related activities.
Early Life
Sergio Zárate was born on October 14, 1969, in Haedo, Morón Partido, Argentina. He is the eldest of five brothers, four of whom became professional footballers. Zárate’s younger brothers, Ariel, Rolando, and Mauro, also played professional football.
Growing up, Zárate showed a keen interest in football and began playing at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Vélez Sarsfield, a professional football club based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Zárate’s talent was quickly recognized, and he was promoted to the club’s senior team at the age of 19. He made his professional debut on August 5, 1989, in a match against Newell’s Old Boys. Despite being the youngest player on the team, Zárate quickly established himself as a key player and helped Vélez Sarsfield win the Argentine Primera División in 1990.
Zárate’s success with Vélez Sarsfield attracted the attention of other clubs, and he eventually moved to Europe to further his career.
Football Career
Sergio Zárate began his football career with Vélez Sarsfield in Argentina, where he spent four years in the Primera División. He then moved to Germany to play for Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he spent two seasons before moving to 1. FC Köln for a season.
In 1994, Zárate returned to Argentina to play for River Plate, where he won the Apertura tournament in his first season. He then moved to Mexico to play for Club América, where he won the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup in 1996. Zárate also played for other Mexican clubs, including Necaxa and Atlante.
Zárate earned one cap for the Argentina national team in 1992. He retired from professional football in 2003 after playing for Deportivo Merlo. Overall, Zárate had a successful career in football, playing for clubs in Argentina, Germany, and Mexico, and winning several championships.
Club Career
Sergio Zárate began his club career with Vélez Sarsfield in the Argentinian Primera División. He spent four years with the club before moving to Europe to play for 1. FC Nürnberg in the Bundesliga. Zárate made a total of 80 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring 23 goals.
Club America
In 1995, Zárate moved to Mexico to play for Club America. He played for the club for one season, making 18 appearances and scoring two goals.
Atlante FC
Zárate then moved on to Atlante FC, where he played for two seasons from 1996 to 1998. During his time with the club, he made 60 appearances and scored 17 goals.
Deportivo Toluca
Zárate finished his career in Mexico with Deportivo Toluca. He played for the club from 1998 to 2001, making 65 appearances and scoring 17 goals.
Throughout his club career, Sergio Zárate was known for his technical skills and ability to score goals. He was a valuable player for each of the clubs he played for, and his contributions helped lead his teams to success.
International Career
Sergio Zárate earned one cap for the Argentina national team. He made his debut on March 31, 1993, in a friendly against Chile. Argentina won the match 2-0. Zárate played the full 90 minutes as a striker.
Despite his impressive performances in the Primera División and the Bundesliga, Zárate was never called up again to the national team. His lack of international recognition remains a mystery, but it is speculated that his playing style did not fit the preferences of the national team coaches at the time.
Zárate’s only appearance for Argentina was a memorable one, and he will always be able to say that he represented his country at the highest level.
Coaching Career
After retiring from professional football, Sergio Zárate pursued a career in coaching. He began as an assistant coach for Club América in 2006, where he worked under coach Luis Fernando Tena. In 2007, he moved to Puebla FC, where he served as an assistant coach for one season.
In 2008, Zárate became the head coach of Correcaminos UAT, a team in the Liga de Ascenso. He led the team to a successful season, finishing in second place in the Apertura 2008 season. However, the team struggled in the Clausura 2009 season and Zárate was replaced as head coach.
After his stint with Correcaminos UAT, Zárate returned to Club América as an assistant coach. He worked under several coaches, including Ramón Díaz, Manuel Lapuente, and Jesús Ramírez. In 2011, he became the head coach of América’s U-20 team, where he helped develop young players for the first team.
In 2013, Zárate was appointed as the head coach of Veracruz, a team in the Liga MX. He led the team to a successful season, finishing in ninth place in the Apertura 2013 season. However, the team struggled in the Clausura 2014 season and Zárate was replaced as head coach.
Overall, Sergio Zárate’s coaching career has been marked by both successes and challenges. While he has achieved some notable accomplishments, he has also faced setbacks and challenges along the way. Nevertheless, his passion for the sport and his commitment to developing young players have made him a respected figure in the world of Mexican football.
Personal Life
Sergio Zárate was born on October 14, 1969, in Haedo, Morón Partido, Argentina. He is a former Argentine football player who spent most of his career playing in Germany and Mexico apart from his native Argentina.
Zárate is a private person and has not shared much information about his personal life with the public. It is not known if he is married or has any children.
However, it is known that Zárate comes from a football family. His father, Rolando Zárate, was also a professional footballer who played for several clubs including Vélez Sarsfield, where Sergio started his career. His brothers, Ariel and Mauro Zárate, are also professional footballers who have played for several clubs in Argentina and Europe.
Outside of football, Zárate has not been involved in any major public activities or controversies. He has kept a low profile and focused on his career as a football player.
Legacy
Sergio Zárate is regarded as one of the most skilled and talented Argentine footballers of his generation. His vision, technical ability, and creativity on the pitch made him a fan favorite and earned him numerous accolades throughout his career.
Zárate’s legacy is particularly strong in the Bundesliga, where he spent the majority of his playing days. He is remembered as one of the league’s most exciting and dynamic players, capable of turning a game on its head with his individual brilliance.
In Mexico, where Zárate also played for several years, he is revered as a true icon of the sport. His performances for Club America and Tigres UANL are still talked about to this day, and he is often cited as an inspiration for younger generations of Mexican footballers.
Off the pitch, Zárate is known for his humility and dedication to the sport. He has always been a role model for young players, emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline, and respect for the game.
Overall, Sergio Zárate’s legacy is one of excellence and professionalism. He will always be remembered as a true legend of the sport, and his impact on football will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sergio Zárate?
Sergio Zárate is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He was born on October 14, 1969, in Haedo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the eldest of five brothers, of whom four became professional footballers. Sergio works as an agent for his brothers.
What are some notable achievements of Sergio Zárate?
Sergio Zárate played for various clubs such as Vélez Sarsfield, River Plate, Racing Club, and Independiente, among others. He won several titles throughout his career, including the Argentine Primera División, the Mexican Primera División, and the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.
What is the background of Sergio Zárate?
Sergio Zárate comes from a family of footballers. His father, Rolando Zárate, was a professional footballer, and his brothers Ariel, Rolando, and Mauro are also footballers. Sergio started his professional career in 1987 with Vélez Sarsfield.
How did Sergio Zárate become successful?
Sergio Zárate became successful through hard work and dedication to his craft. He had a successful career in Argentina, Mexico, and Germany, playing for various clubs. He also represented the Argentine national team.
What is the current status of Sergio Zárate?
Sergio Zárate retired from professional football in 2006. He currently works as an agent for his brothers, who are also professional footballers.
What are some interesting facts about Sergio Zárate?
Sergio Zárate is known for his technical skills and his ability to score goals. He is also known for his family’s involvement in football, with four of his brothers also becoming professional footballers. Additionally, Sergio is a big fan of music and enjoys playing the guitar in his free time.