Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Jair Antonio Collahuazo Vaca [1] | ||
Date of birth | 21 January 2006 | ||
Place of birth | Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas, Ecuador [1] | ||
Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) | ||
Position(s) | Center back | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | New York Red Bull II | ||
Number | 50 | ||
Youth career | |||
Emelec | |||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | ( Gls) |
2024- | New York Red Bulls II (loan) | 1 | (0) |
International career | |||
2022– | Ecuador U17 | 11 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 05:00, 9 November 2023 (UTC) |
Jair Antonio Collahuazo Vaca (born 21 January 2006) is an Ecuadorian footballer who plays as a central defender for Ecuadorian Serie A club Emelec.
Born in Esmeraldas, Collahuazo began his career in the youth academy of Emelec. Collahuazo's first team debut with Emelec was postponed due to a call-up for a microcycle with the Ecuador under-17 team in September 2023, with teammate Diogo Bagüí drafted in to cover for an injury crisis instead. [2] [3]
On 29 February 2024, it was reported that New York Red Bulls II had acquired Collahuazo on a 1 year loan deal with an option to purchase from Emelec. [4]
Collahuazo was called up to the Ecuador under-17 team for the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, and despite not starting in the first match, established himself as one of Ecuador's key players as the nation finished second place to Brazil. [5]
He was called up again for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, stating that if his teammates were all focused, they could win the tournament. [6] [7]
Initially a midfielder when he began playing football at the age of eight, Collahuazo was converted to a defender during his career, due to his imposing height - standing at 1.96 m. [8] He has named compatriot Piero Hincapié as an inspiration to him, stating that he hopes to follow in the Ecuador international's footsteps. [8]