Carlos Roa

Carlos Roa

Carlos Roa was born on August 15th, 1969

Full Name: Carlos Alberto Roa
Place of Birth: Santa Fe, Argentina
Profession: Footballer
Nationality: Argentine
Teams: Mallorca and Argentina National Team
Position: Goalkeeper
International: Copa America Winner
Club Honors: Multiple

A goalkeeper who holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in Argentine football history, known for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities.

Written by: Jack Thompson Jack Thompson

Carlos Roa: The Unpredictable Argentine Goalkeeper

Carlos Roa, born on August 15, 1969, is a former Argentine professional footballer who made a name for himself as a goalkeeper in the football world. He is best known for his unexpected retirement and subsequent return to the sport, leaving fans and critics alike bewildered.

Early Career

Roa started his professional career with Racing Club de Avellaneda in 1988, making his Primera División debut at just 19 years old. During a summer tour of Africa with the club, he contracted malaria, but made a full recovery.

Rise to Prominence

In 1994, Roa moved to Club Atlético Lanús, where he became an integral part of the team, rarely missing a match and helping the club achieve three consecutive third-place league finishes. He also won the Copa CONMEBOL in 1996.

Spanish Adventure

In 1997, Roa signed with Spain's RCD Mallorca, where he played 25 La Liga matches and helped the team finish fifth in the league. He also reached the final of the 1997-1998 Copa del Rey, ultimately losing to FC Barcelona in a penalty shootout.

The Sudden Retirement

In the summer of 1999, Roa shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from the sport. He cited religious reasons, claiming that he believed the world was going to end in the near future. He spent the next year engaging in charitable and religious work as a member of his church.

The Unpredictable Return

Less than a year later, Roa returned to Mallorca, forced to play out the remaining two years of his contract. However, he was unable to reproduce his previous form and was relegated to the bench by compatriot Leo Franco.

Legacy

Despite his unpredictable career path, Roa remains an enigmatic figure in the world of football. His dedication to his faith and his convictions are admirable, even if they led to his temporary departure from the sport.

Career Highlights

Post-Playing Career

After retiring from football, Roa went on to become the goalkeeper coach of Greek Super League club AEK Athens. He has continued to remain involved in the sport, albeit in a different capacity.

Roa's story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of staying true to one's convictions, even if they may seem unconventional to others.

Timeline
1969
Born in Argentina
Carlos Roa was born on August 15, 1969, in Santa Fe, Argentina.
1994
Debuted for Lanús
Roa made his professional debut for Club Atlético Lanús in the Argentine Primera División.
1997
Joined Mallorca
Roa moved to Spain to play for RCD Mallorca, where he spent two seasons.
2002
Retired from football
After a brief stint with Albacete Balompié, Roa retired from professional football at the age of 33.
2010
Inducted into Lanús Hall of Fame
Roa was inducted into the Club Atlético Lanús Hall of Fame for his contributions to the team.
Carlos Roa

Carlos Roa Quiz

What position did Carlos Roa play in football?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is Carlos Roas football career like?
Carlos Roa is a former Argentine footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like Lanús and Mallorca, and represented Argentina internationally.
What is Carlos Roas most notable achievement?
Carlos Roas most notable achievement is winning the 1991 Copa América with Argentina, where he was named the tournaments best goalkeeper.
What is Carlos Roas coaching career like?
After retiring from playing, Carlos Roa became a coach, working with teams like Lanús and Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina.
How many caps did Carlos Roa earn for Argentina?
Carlos Roa earned 16 caps for Argentina between 1992 and 1997, participating in several international tournaments.
What is Carlos Roa doing now?
Carlos Roa continues to be involved in football, working as a coach and scout, and is also involved in charity work and promoting youth football development in Argentina.

Related People:

Diego Maradona

65 Years Old

A legendary footballer and coach who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, known for his exceptional dribbling skills and infamous "Hand of God" goal.

Jorge Valdano

71 Years Old

A talented footballer turned coach and manager, known for his creative playing style and successful stints with Real Madrid and the Argentine national team.

Gabriel Batistuta

57 Years Old

A prolific goal-scorer and iconic striker, known for his powerful shots and impressive scoring record in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Hernán Crespo

51 Years Old

A legendary striker and coach, known for his clinical finishing and successful stints with top-tier clubs like AC Milan and Chelsea.

Juan Román Riquelme

48 Years Old

A creative playmaker who dominated midfield with exceptional vision and skill, leading teams to numerous titles and earning individual accolades.

Roberto Ayala

53 Years Old

A skilled defender who won numerous titles with clubs like Valencia and AC Milan, and earned 115 caps for Argentina's national team.

Javier Zanetti

53 Years Old

Legendary defender and captain of Inter Milan, winning numerous titles including five Italian league championships and a Champions League title. Known for his tireless work rate, versatility, and leadership on the pitch.

Ariel Ortega

52 Years Old

A skilled and creative attacking midfielder who played for top clubs like Valencia and Parma, known for his exceptional dribbling skills and vision on the pitch.