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Roberto ColauttiIsraeli footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 24.05.1982
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Roberto Colautti: An Argentine Striker Who Became an Israeli Legend
- Early Life and Career
- Success with Maccabi Haifa
- Move to Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Return to Israel
- International Career
- Legacy and Achievements
- Team Honors
Roberto Colautti: An Argentine Striker Who Became an Israeli Legend
Roberto Colautti, an Argentine-born striker, is renowned for his exceptional career with both club and country. He holds the distinction of being the only player to have represented both Argentina and Israel at the international level.
Early Life and Career
Roberto Colautti was born on May 20, 1982, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He began his football career with Boca Juniors, where he honed his skills as a prolific striker. In 2004, Colautti made a pivotal decision to join Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, which would forever alter the trajectory of his life.
Success with Maccabi Haifa
At Maccabi Haifa, Colautti quickly established himself as a formidable force. In his debut season, he emerged as the league's top scorer with 19 goals in 30 matches, propelling Maccabi to the Israeli Championship title. He defended the title the following season, finishing second in the scoring charts with 13 goals in 28 matches.
Colautti's contributions extended beyond the domestic league. He played a crucial role in Maccabi's historic run to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Cup in 2006/07. He scored vital goals against Litex Lovech and Auxerre, and his dramatic late header against Livorno secured an away victory that knocked the Italian club out of the competition.
Move to Borussia Mönchengladbach
In 2007, Colautti joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany. Despite battling injuries, he managed to make a significant impact, scoring three goals in 10 appearances as the club secured promotion to the Bundesliga. Injuries continued to hamper his progress in the following seasons, but he still contributed with goals and played an integral role in Gladbach's fight to retain their Bundesliga status.
Return to Israel
In 2010, Colautti returned to Israel to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He scored 19 goals during his stint with the club, helping them secure the league title in 2012/13. He later joined Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyprus before eventually retiring in 2015.
International Career
In 2006, Colautti obtained Israeli citizenship, which allowed him to represent his adopted country on the international stage. He made his debut for the Israeli national team in September 2006 and scored on his debut against Estonia. In total, he scored six goals in seven matches for Israel, including a brace against Croatia.
Legacy and Achievements
Roberto Colautti's legacy as a football legend in both Argentina and Israel is undeniable. His prolific goalscoring exploits, his unwavering determination, and his ability to inspire his teammates are attributes that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Team Honors
- Israeli Championship (3): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2012/13- Toto Cup (1): 2005/06
- 2. Bundesliga (1): 2007/08
Individual Honors
- Israeli Championship Top Scorer (1): 2004/05 (19 goals)
