Leonardo Bonucci has named Duvan Zapata as the toughest opponent he ever faced during his illustrious career.
Bonucci snubbed prominent names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, tagging Torino attacker Zapata as his “nightmare”.
Leonardo Bonucci on Duvan Zapata
Speaking with Sky Calcio Club, Leonardo Bonucci indicated that the player who gave him sleepless nights was Duvan Zapata, before noting the strengths of the 33-year-old.
Bonucci said: “My nightmare, who didn’t make me sleep at night, was Zapata. God, before games against his Atalanta side, I couldn’t sleep at night.
“His power and physicality made him my nightmare.”
Leonardo Bonucci, who retired from football in May 2024, added that he was privileged to play against top players like Messi, Ronaldo, Torres, and Neymar, but they didn’t give him as much trouble as Zapata.
The 37-year-old said: “Then, I was lucky enough to play against so many champions. Drogba, Ronaldo, Messi, Torres, and I forget others, but it was too good.”
Duvan Zapata
Duvan Zapata currently plies his trade with Torino, having joined the club from Atalanta on July 1, 2024, for a fee of €8.6 million.
Zapata had initially joined Torino on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2023, before his deal was made permanent in July 2024.
Leonardo Bonucci
Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and he is renowned for his technique, ball-playing skills, and tackling.
Bonucci played for several top clubs during his stellar career, including; Inter Milan, Juventus, Genoa, AC Milan, Union Berlin, and Fenerbahce.
Bonucci has an alluring trophy list, having won several astonishing trophies, including; 9 Serie A titles, 1 UEFA European Championship, and 4 Coppa Italia.
Leonardo Bonucci made 679 club career appearances, scoring 46 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Bonucci made 121 appearances for Italy, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists.
Who Is Duvan Zapata?
Duván Esteban Zapata Banguero is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie A club Torino.
Zapata’s Personal Information?
Duvan Zapata was born on April 1, 1991, in Padilla, Cauca, Colombia, to father Oliver Zapata and mother Elfa Banguera.
The forward has an older sister, whose name is Cindy Carolina, but it is unknown when she was born.
Zapata is the cousin of fellow Colombia international footballer and current Atlético Bucaramanga defender Cristián Zapata.
Duvan Zapata’s Market Value And Net Worth?
Zapata’s market value is €8 million, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €25 million – €30 million.
Duvan Zapata’s Salary?
He earns about 96,000 per week at Torino.
Duvan Zapata Achievements?
He has won 1 Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana while being included in the Serie A Team of the Year for the 2018/19 campaign.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
Duvan Zapata has played for several clubs in his career, including; Sampdoria, Napoli, Atalanta, Udinese, and Estudiantes.
Duvan Zapata’s Career Stats?
He has made 465 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 172 goals and providing 67 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Duvan Zapata has made 34 appearances for Colombia, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
