Iván Amaya


Iván Amaya Carazo 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 a combined 31 games with the first team in his first two seasons, the first of which was spent 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 and being rarely utilised.
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. 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 tier, 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 division, Amaya's loan was renewed for 2010–11, but his contract with Granada was terminated on 26 August 2010. The next day, he was signed by Real Murcia of the third level.

International career

Amaya was selected by Spain for their 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 and also missed his penalty shootout attempt, in an eventual loss.

Personal life

Amaya's younger brother, Antonio, was also a footballer – and a centre back. He also represented local club Rayo. The pair came from a Romani family.

Honours

Spain U23