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Duván Zapata is one of the emblematic players of the Colombian National Team in Europe. His physicality and scoring ability make him one of the most feared strikers in Serie A at Atalanta. In fact, at one point, he was targeted by Premier League clubs like Chelsea. However, during his formative years, he had one of the strongest blows in his career.
A football player goes through many challenges and sacrifices on the path to success, and for some, their main motivation is family. Duván Zapata started this way, despite all the setbacks in his career, he always had the unconditional support of his family, especially his mother. However, life would play a cruel trick on him.
While the forward was concentrated with the U-20 national team in the distant 2010, his mother, Elfa Cely Banguero, felt severe abdominal pains that led her to stay in bed. The illness she had was a severe acute pancreatitis.
Despite his mother's deteriorating health, the young striker continued to focus on his dream of succeeding. In the face of such a serious illness, Efla died of cardiac arrest in Colombia during the championship, and Duván could not say goodbye to his mother. A blow he will never forget.
"My wife is responsible for all of Duván's achievements. She was always by his side throughout his development process, and not being able to witness her son's achievements is hard for the whole family," revealed the father of the Atalanta player from Serie A in an interview a few years ago.
Duván Zapata's Motivation
After the death of his mother, the Colombian continued to grow in the elite of football. He played for teams like América de Cali, Estudiantes de la Plata, Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria, and Atalanta. However, the Colombian never forgets her teachings and shows it when he raises his arms to the sky every time he scores a goal, thanking his mother.
"It has been almost ten years since your departure, but I still have the thought that you are always present in everything I do, giving me strength and enthusiasm to face every adversity," wrote the player a few years ago on his Instagram account, thanking his mother.
Currently, Duván is married to Diana Montaño and they have two children together, Dantzel and Dayton Zapata. They have been in a relationship for over 11 years, and his family has become the main motivation of his career. Currently, the player is dealing with various injuries. However, the support of his wife and children is enough for him to recover and return with good form.
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