Róbinson Zapata Montaño (born 30 September 1978) is a Colombian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is a goalkeeper coach for Colombian club Independiente Santa Fe.
Zapata started his career in Colombia with América de Cali and Real Cartagena. In 2004, he moved to Argentina where he had spells with Rosario Central, Independiente and Belgrano. In 2006, he joined La Serena in Chile before returning to Colombia to play for Cúcuta Deportivo.
Rufay, as he is called by his colleagues, joined Steaua on 23 July 2007 Steaua BucureÃÂti for â¬500.000 and signed a four-year contract with the Romanian team from Cúcuta Deportivo. During the first half of the season, he became the most appreciated player in the Romanian team. (seen in this statistic made by Steaua supporters). After a mediocre second year at Steaua BucureÃÂti, Rufay became the first option as a goalkeeper after Ciprian TÃÂtÃÂruà Âanu's mistakes, and showed outstanding form.
In the beginning of 2010âÂÂ11 season, Rufay was demoted to the B squad after the arrival of new coach Victor Pià £urcÃÂ. Soon after Pià £urcàleft the club, new coach Ilie Dumitrescu called him back to the first squad. In December 2010, Zapata ended the contract with Steaua BucureÃÂti.
On 21 January 2011, Zapata agreed a one-and-a-half-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray. He has been in a bad shape since his arrival, with just two clean sheets in 13 games, with a shot/save ratio of 42%. In June 2011, Zapata was fired from Galatasaray, becoming a free agent. He returned to Colombia where he played for Deportivo Pereira in the second half of 2011.
On 5 July 2007, Zapata represented Colombia at the 2007 Copa América, playing against USA, but he was sent off in the 86th minute after being cautioned twice. His next tournament call-up came nine years later, ahead of the Copa América Centenario.
América de Cali
Cúcuta Deportivo
Santa Fe
Colombia