Iván Amaya
Quick Facts
Biography
Iván Amaya Carazo (born 3 September 1978) is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central defender.
Club career
Born in Madrid, Amaya started his professional career at hometown's Rayo Vallecano, playing 31 games with the first team in his first two seasons combined, the first of which was played in the second division, with promotion. After that he returned to the second level but stayed in the city, joining Atlético Madrid for another couple of years, where he was rarely played.
After another unassuming La Liga spell with RCD Espanyol, Amaya appeared in 40 matches for Getafe CF in the 2003–04 campaign, promoting to the top flight for the third time (a first-ever for Getafe). However, he featured very rarely in the following season, returning to division two in January 2005 as he joined Ciudad de Murcia and being an everpresent defensive fixture.
Amaya then played two seasons in the second division, with Elche CF. In July 2009 he was bought by Udinese Calcio, being immediately loaned back to Spain with lowly Granada CF; compatriot Óscar Pérez, who was also purchased by the Italians, made the same season-long move as seven other players, after the two sides' partnership agreement.
After helping the Andalusians promote to the second level, Amaya's loan was renewed for 2010–11, but his contract with Granada was terminated on 26 August 2010. On the next day he was signed by Real Murcia, in division three.
International career
Amaya was selected by Spain for its 2000 Summer Olympics squad. He helped the national team win silver in Sydney but, in the decisive match against Cameroon, scored an own goal to make it 2–1 for the Europeans (eventually 2–2) and also missed his penalty shootout attempt, in an eventual loss.
Personal life
Amaya's younger brother, Antonio, is also a footballer – and a centre back. He also represented local club Rayo.
Honours
- Spain U23
- Summer Olympic Games: Silver medal 2000