Óscar Ustari Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Óscar Ustari is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was born on July 3, 1986, in America, Buenos Aires. Ustari began his professional career with Club Atlético Independiente in 2005, where he spent six seasons before moving to Spain to join Getafe CF.
Ustari’s career was marred by injuries, but he was able to make a name for himself as a talented goalkeeper. He also played for several other clubs, including Almería, Boca Juniors, and Pachuca. Ustari was known for his quick reflexes, shot-stopping, and ability to command his area. He was also a member of the Argentine national team and played in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where he won a gold medal.
Key Takeaways
- Óscar Ustari is a former Argentine professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
- Ustari’s career was marred by injuries, but he was able to make a name for himself as a talented goalkeeper.
- He was also a member of the Argentine national team and played in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where he won a gold medal.
Early Life
Óscar Ustari was born on July 3, 1986, in the city of América, Argentina. He grew up in a family of football lovers and started playing football at a very young age. His father, Carlos Ustari, was also a goalkeeper and played for local teams in Argentina.
As a child, Ustari showed great potential in football, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. He joined the youth academy of Club Atlético Independiente, one of the most renowned football clubs in Argentina, where he developed his skills as a goalkeeper.
Ustari’s talent was recognized early on, and he was selected to represent Argentina in the U-20 World Cup in 2005. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory in the tournament, saving two penalties in the final against Nigeria.
Overall, Ustari’s early life was marked by his passion for football and his dedication to becoming a professional goalkeeper. His talent and hard work paid off, and he went on to have a successful career in football.
Starting Career
Óscar Ustari, born on July 3, 1986, in América, Argentina, started his football career at a young age. He joined the youth academy of Club Atlético Independiente and quickly made his way up the ranks. In 2005, at the age of 18, he made his professional debut for Independiente in a match against Olimpo.
Ustari’s impressive performances in the Argentine Primera División earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team in 2006. He was part of the squad that won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he played a crucial role in the final against Nigeria, saving two penalties in the shootout.
In 2007, Ustari signed with Spanish club Getafe CF, where he spent most of his career. He struggled with injuries during his time at Getafe but still managed to make 86 appearances for the club and helped them reach the final of the Copa del Rey in 2007-08.
Ustari also had stints with Almería, Boca Juniors, Atlas, and Pachuca, where he played until his contract expired in 2023. Despite not having a club at the moment, Ustari remains a highly respected goalkeeper and a valuable asset to any team.
Club Career
Club Atletico Independiente
Óscar Ustari began his professional career with Club Atletico Independiente in 2005. He quickly became the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and helped the club win the 2007 Copa Sudamericana. Ustari played a total of 93 games for Independiente before leaving for Europe in 2007.
Sunderland AFC
In January 2013, Ustari signed a short-term contract with Sunderland AFC. He made his debut for the club in an FA Cup match against Kidderminster Harriers, which Sunderland won 1-0. Ustari made a total of four appearances for Sunderland before leaving the club at the end of the season.
Club Atlas
Ustari returned to Argentina in 2014, signing with Boca Juniors. However, he did not make an appearance for the club and was loaned to Mexican club Club Atlas in January 2015.
Pachuca FC
In 2016, Ustari signed with Pachuca FC. He quickly established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and helped the club win the 2016 Clausura. Ustari has continued to play for Pachuca FC and has made over 100 appearances for the club.
CF Monterrey
In January 2021, Ustari joined CF Monterrey on a one-year contract. He made his debut for the club in a Copa MX match against Cimarrones de Sonora, which Monterrey won 8-0. Ustari has made a total of 17 appearances for Monterrey.
International Career
Ustari made his international debut for Argentina in a friendly against Chile on May 18, 2008. He was included in the squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics, where Argentina won the gold medal. Ustari played a key role in the tournament, conceding only three goals in six games and saving two penalties in the final against Nigeria.
Despite his impressive performances, Ustari has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the Argentina national team due to the presence of Sergio Romero and Franco Armani. He was called up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but did not make an appearance. Ustari was also part of the Argentina squad that reached the final of the 2015 Copa America, but again did not play.
In 2018, Ustari was called up for a friendly against Guatemala, but he did not make an appearance. He has not been called up since then, but his performances in the Liga MX have earned him praise from some quarters, and he remains a popular figure among Argentine fans.
Overall, Ustari’s international career has been somewhat frustrating, as he has often been overlooked despite his talent and potential. However, he remains determined to continue working hard and pushing for a place in the national team, and many believe that he still has much to offer at the highest level of the game.
Injuries and Comebacks
Óscar Ustari has had a career marked by injuries, but he has always managed to come back stronger. In 2007, he suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for almost a year. He returned to the field in 2008 and helped Getafe reach the final of the Copa del Rey.
In 2010, Ustari suffered another knee injury that kept him out of action for six months. He returned to the field in January 2011 and helped Getafe reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League.
In 2013, Ustari suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and kept him out of action for several months. He returned to the field in September 2013 and helped Almería avoid relegation from La Liga.
In 2015, Ustari suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery and kept him out of action for almost two years. He returned to the field in January 2017 and helped Atlas reach the final of the Copa MX.
In 2020, Ustari suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for several weeks. He returned to the field in February 2020 and helped Pachuca reach the quarterfinals of the Clausura.
Despite his injuries, Ustari has always managed to come back and perform at a high level. He is known for his resilience and determination, and his ability to overcome adversity has earned him the respect of his teammates and fans alike.
Personal Life
Óscar Ustari was born on July 3, 1986, in América, Argentina. He is married to Ornella Giusti, and they have two children together. Ustari is known for being a private person, and he has kept his personal life out of the public eye.
Ustari has a strong connection to his hometown of América, and he often returns to visit his family and friends. He is also known for his philanthropic work, and he has been involved in several charitable organizations over the years.
Despite being a professional athlete, Ustari is an avid reader and enjoys spending his free time with a good book. He is also a lover of music and enjoys attending concerts and festivals whenever he can.
Overall, Ustari’s personal life is characterized by his dedication to his family, his community, and his passions outside of soccer.
Legacy and Impact
Óscar Ustari’s legacy in the world of football is one of triumph and perseverance. Despite suffering from several career-threatening injuries, he continued to play at the highest level and inspire his teammates and fans alike.
One of Ustari’s most notable achievements was winning the gold medal with the Argentine national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He played a crucial role in the team’s success, making several key saves in the final against Nigeria to help secure the victory.
Ustari’s impact on the sport can also be seen in his impressive career statistics. Over the course of his career, he made over 200 appearances for various clubs in Argentina, Spain, and Mexico. He also earned several individual accolades, including being named the best goalkeeper in the Argentine Primera División in 2017.
Off the field, Ustari has been known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his hometown of América, Argentina. He has been involved in several charity initiatives, including donating equipment to local youth football teams and supporting a children’s hospital in the area.
Overall, Óscar Ustari’s legacy is one of resilience, skill, and generosity. He has inspired countless young players with his performances on the field and his dedication to giving back to his community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams has Oscar Ustari played for?
Oscar Ustari has played for several teams throughout his career. He started his professional career with Club Atlético Independiente in Argentina and played for them from 2005 to 2007. He then moved to Europe and played for Getafe CF, UD Almería, and RCD Mallorca in Spain. In 2014, he returned to Argentina and joined Boca Juniors. After a short stint with Atlas in Mexico, he returned to Argentina and signed with Newell’s Old Boys. In 2021, he joined Club Atlético Huracán.
What is Oscar Ustari’s career highlight?
Oscar Ustari’s career highlight came in 2008 when he helped Getafe CF reach the final of the Copa del Rey. He made several crucial saves in the semifinals against FC Barcelona, including two penalty saves, to help his team advance to the final. Although Getafe lost the final to Valencia CF, Ustari’s performance in the competition earned him widespread recognition.
How many caps does Oscar Ustari have for the Argentina national team?
Oscar Ustari has made two appearances for the Argentina national team. He made his debut in a friendly match against Chile in 2006 and also played in a friendly against Egypt in 2010.
What is Oscar Ustari’s playing style?
Oscar Ustari is known for his excellent shot-stopping ability and his command of the penalty area. He is also a good communicator and is able to organize his defense effectively.
Has Oscar Ustari won any major trophies?
Oscar Ustari has won several trophies throughout his career. He won the Copa Sudamericana with Club Atlético Independiente in 2010 and the Argentine Primera División with Boca Juniors in 2015. He also won a gold medal with the Argentina Olympic team at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
What challenges has Oscar Ustari faced in his career?
Oscar Ustari has faced several challenges in his career, including injuries that have kept him sidelined for extended periods. He suffered a serious knee injury in 2010 that kept him out of action for over a year and another knee injury in 2017 that required surgery. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to work hard and has remained a respected goalkeeper in Argentina and beyond.