1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Roberto Rosales's football journey began in his native Venezuela, where he developed his foundational skills before embarking on a professional career that would take him to various European leagues.
1.1. Childhood and Formative Years
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Roberto José Rosales Altuve is the third of four children, with two brothers and one sister, all of whom also play football. Rosales has shared that his father was a strict figure who instilled in him values such as modesty, sacrifice, and discipline, which proved influential in his upbringing and career. His early exposure to football came through local clubs, including Pedagogico Caracas and Deportivo Gulima.
1.2. Early Club Career
Rosales's nascent professional journey began with his hometown club, Caracas FC. He made his senior debut for the club during the 2006-07 season, appearing in two matches before making a move to European football.
2. Professional Club Career
Rosales's professional club career has spanned several countries, establishing him as a consistent and reliable right-back across various leagues, including those in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Cyprus.
2.1. K.A.A. Gent
On 30 May 2007, following a successful trial, Rosales signed a two-year deal with Belgian club Gent. He had previously been linked with a move to R.S.C. Anderlecht. He made his debut for Gent on 14 July 2007, in a 4-0 victory over Cliftonville in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. His league debut came on 16 September 2007, as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw against Standard Liège. Despite being sent off in a 2-1 win over Charleroi on 3 May 2008, Rosales concluded his first season with 20 appearances across all competitions, including a start in the 2008 Belgian Cup Final, which Gent lost 3-2 to Anderlecht.
In the 2008-09 season, Rosales solidified his position in Gent's starting eleven. He contributed to a clean sheet in the opening 5-0 win against Mons. On 24 October 2008, he signed a contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2011. He scored his first goal of the season on 14 November 2008, in a 3-2 loss to Westerlo, and added a second on 1 March 2009, in a 1-0 win over Lokeren. However, a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite this, he made 28 appearances and scored two goals in all competitions. Gent finished fourth in the league this season.
For the 2009-10 season, Rosales continued his rehabilitation before making his first appearance on 22 August 2009, in a 4-1 victory over Lokeren. He regained his first-team spot and scored his first goal of the season on 24 October 2009, in a 2-1 win against Sint-Truiden. He then scored two more goals in quick succession between 28 November and 4 December 2009, against Cercle Brugge and KV Mechelen, respectively. Rosales played a crucial role in the club's run to the 2010 Belgian Cup Final, providing four assists in four matches in the semi-final legs against Club Brugge and Mechelen. He started in the final against Cercle Brugge, helping Gent secure a 3-0 victory and the Belgian Cup title. Towards the end of the season, he also played in midfield due to injuries to other players. Rosales concluded the season with 39 appearances and three goals across all competitions, and Gent finished as league runner-up.
During his three-year tenure at Gent, Rosales became a regular fixture, making a total of 82 appearances and scoring five goals in all competitions.
2.2. FC Twente
On 30 July 2010, Rosales joined Eredivisie side FC Twente on a three-year deal. He was brought in as a direct replacement for Ronnie Stam, who had departed for Premier League club Wigan Athletic. Rosales was assigned the number fifteen shirt. His debut was initially delayed due to work permit issues, which were resolved on 19 August 2010.
He made his debut on 21 August 2010, playing for 9 minutes against Vitesse. His first start came on 29 August 2010, playing the full 90 minutes in a 4-0 home victory over Utrecht. Rosales scored his first goal for Twente on 11 September 2010, in a 2-1 win against VVV-Venlo. On 7 December 2010, he scored a goal in a 3-3 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League, becoming the first Venezuelan to score in the competition. He continued to appear regularly for the Tukkers throughout the season, despite facing suspensions, including a red card against Roda JC on 10 April 2011. Although he was an unused substitute in the KNVB Cup final where Twente defeated Ajax 3-2, Rosales played a significant role in their success, ending his first season with 45 appearances and two goals in all competitions. Twente also finished as league runner-up this season.
Ahead of the 2011-12 season, Rosales's performances attracted attention from major European clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal. Despite transfer speculation, he remained at Twente, though he faced competition for the right-back spot from Tim Cornelisse. He started the season strongly, providing a hat-trick of assists in a 5-2 win over ADO Den Haag on 18 September 2011. On 1 December 2011, he set up the winning goal for Marc Janko in a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the UEFA Europa League. After serving a one-match suspension, he scored on his return on 21 March 2012, in a 2-1 win against De Graafschap. Rosales concluded the season with 41 appearances and one goal.
In the 2012-13 season, transfer rumors persisted, with various European clubs reportedly interested in signing him. He remained a first-team regular and started the season well, assisting a goal in a 4-1 win over Groningen on the opening day. Despite two suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards and some injury concerns, Rosales made 44 appearances in all competitions.
During the 2013-14 season, Rosales helped Twente secure two clean sheets at the start of the season against RKC Waalwijk and Utrecht. In a KNVB Cup match against Heerenveen, he received a second yellow card, leading to a red card in a 3-0 loss that eliminated Twente from the tournament. On 26 October 2013, he scored his first goal of the season in a 3-2 loss against ADO Den Haag. His 100th league appearance for the club came on 10 November 2013, in a 1-1 draw against PEC Zwolle. He faced another suspension and an injury concern but finished the season with 31 appearances and one goal. By the end of the 2013-14 season, Rosales was expected to leave Twente as his contract was set to expire, with La Liga side Málaga interested in acquiring him. He had not responded to a new contract offer from Twente.
2.3. Málaga CF
On 9 July 2014, Roberto Rosales signed a three-year deal with La Liga club Málaga. Upon joining the club, Rosales expressed that the move was an important step in his career.
He made his La Liga debut on 23 August 2014, starting in a 1-0 home victory against Athletic Bilbao. Rosales quickly established himself as Málaga's starting right-back. However, he suffered an injury that kept him out for several weeks but returned on 29 November 2014, in a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid. On 21 February 2015, he started and played the full 90 minutes in a memorable 1-0 victory over Barcelona, a match he described as his best performance for the club. Rosales concluded his first season with Málaga, making 40 appearances across all competitions.
In the 2015-16 season, Rosales continued as a regular first-team right-back. His consistent performances prompted Málaga to initiate contract extension negotiations. On 3 October 2015, he provided an assist for Charles, who scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. He was also linked with a move to Sevilla during the summer. Rosales's streak of consecutive starts ended when he received a fifth yellow card against Granada on 8 April 2016, leading to a suspension. Upon his return, he suffered an injury during a match against Levante on 2 May 2016, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite these setbacks, Rosales made 36 appearances in all competitions for the season. Málaga also won the Trofeo Costa del Sol in both 2015 and 2016 during his tenure.
For the 2016-17 season, Rosales returned from his injury, participating in Málaga's 1-1 draw against Osasuna in the season's opening game on 19 August 2016. The following month, on 12 September, he signed a contract extension with the club, committing him until 2019. On 16 October 2016, he scored his first goal for Málaga in a 1-1 draw against Alavés. On 20 November 2016, during a match against Barcelona, Rosales was notably involved in an incident with Neymar, where Neymar executed a swift turn over Rosales as he slipped on the wet surface. Rosales remained with Málaga until 2018, playing 146 total matches and scoring 2 goals.
2.3.1. Espanyol (loan)
Following Málaga's relegation to the Segunda División, Rosales was loaned to RCD Espanyol for one year on 31 August 2018. He made his debut for Espanyol on 25 September 2018, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 home victory against SD Eibar. He scored his first goal on 27 January 2019, in a 2-4 loss against Real Madrid. In the final league game of the season against Real Sociedad, Rosales scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win, helping Espanyol qualify for the UEFA Europa League after a 12-year absence. During his loan spell, he made 21 appearances and scored 2 goals.
2.4. CD Leganés
On 24 July 2019, Roberto Rosales signed a two-year contract with Spanish club CD Leganés, with an option for an additional year. He played a significant role for the team, contributing to their third-place finish in the Spanish Segunda División and their advancement to the play-off semi-finals in the 2020-21 season. He made 42 appearances and scored 1 goal during his time at Leganés.
2.5. AEK Larnaca
After concluding the 2020-21 season with Leganés, Rosales transferred to Cypriot First Division club AEK Larnaca. In his first season with the team (2021-22), he contributed to their league runner-up finish and their advancement to the semi-finals of the Cyprus Cup. In the 2022-23 season, AEK Larnaca finished in third place in the league.
2.6. Deportivo Táchira
Roberto Rosales currently plays for Deportivo Táchira.
3. International Career
Roberto Rosales has been a long-standing representative for the Venezuela national football team, progressing through the youth ranks to become a key player for the senior squad, participating in numerous significant international tournaments.
3.1. Youth National Team
Rosales was part of the Venezuela U-20 national team. He participated in the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games, where the team achieved a silver medal, marking Venezuela's first football medal at the games in 16 years.
3.2. Senior National Team
Rosales made his international debut for the Venezuela senior national team on 28 March 2007, playing the entire second half of a dominant 5-0 victory over New Zealand in a friendly match.
After making a handful of appearances over the subsequent four years, Rosales was called up for the 2011 Copa América. He played a crucial role in helping Venezuela reach the semi-finals of the tournament, where they ultimately finished in a respectable fourth place, which remains the best historical performance for Venezuelan football in a major tournament. His 50th appearance for the national team came on 6 March 2014, in a 2-1 loss against Honduras.
Rosales was subsequently called up for four more Copa América tournaments: the 2015 Copa América, the Copa América Centenario in 2016, the 2019 Copa América, and the 2021 Copa América. He scored his debut international goal in a friendly match against Ecuador on 1 June 2019. He also won the Kirin Cup in 2019. As of recent records, Rosales has made 85 appearances and scored 1 goal for the national team.
3.2.1. International Goals
Scores and results list Venezuela's goal tally first.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 June 2019 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States | Ecuador | 1-0 | 1-1 | Friendly |
4. Personal Life
Roberto Rosales was born as the third of four children, having two brothers and one sister. His siblings also share his passion for football and are involved in the sport. Rosales has openly shared that his father was a strict figure during his upbringing, imparting valuable lessons in modesty, sacrifice, and discipline. While living in the Netherlands and playing for FC Twente, Rosales began taking Dutch lessons, attending them twice a week to adapt to the local culture. He is 69 in (174 cm) tall and weighs 161 lb (73 kg).
5. Honours
Gent
- Belgian Cup: 2009-10
- Belgian Cup: Runner-up (2007-08)
- Belgian Pro League: Runner-up (2009-10)
- Belgian First Division A: 4th Place (2008-09)
Twente
- KNVB Cup: 2010-11
- Johan Cruijff Shield: 2010, 2011
- Eredivisie: Runner-up (2010-11)
Málaga CF
- Trofeo Costa del Sol: 2015, 2016
AEK Larnaca
- Cypriot First Division: Runner-up (2021-22)
- Cypriot First Division: 3rd Place (2022-23)
- Cyprus Cup: Semi-finalist (2021-22)
Venezuela U-20
- Central American and Caribbean Games: Silver Medal (2006)
Venezuela
- Copa América: 4th Place (2011)
- Kirin Cup: 2019
6. Career Statistics
Accurate as of 25 April 2021 (for Leganés data). Data for AEK Larnaca and Deportivo Táchira are not numerically specified in sources.
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Caracas | 2006-07 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 0 | |
| Gent | 2007-08 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 15 | 0 |
| 2008-09 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 28 | 2 | |
| 2009-10 | 32 | 3 | 7 | 0 | - | - | 39 | 3 | |
| Total | 72 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 82 | 5 | |
| Twente | 2010-11 | 29 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 45 | 2 |
| 2011-12 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 41 | 1 | |
| 2012-13 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 40 | 0 | |
| 2013-14 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 1 | |
| Total | 118 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 157 | 4 | |
| Málaga | 2014-15 | 34 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 0 |
| 2015-16 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 0 | |
| 2016-17 | 32 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| 2017-18 | 35 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 1 | |
| Total | 136 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 146 | 2 | |
| Espanyol (loan) | 2018-19 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 2 |
| Leganés | 2019-20 | 30 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 1 |
| 2020-21 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | |
| Total | 42 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 1 | |
| AEK Larnaca | 2021-22 | ||||||||
| Deportivo Táchira | 2023- | ||||||||
| Career totals | 391 | 13 | 31 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 455 | 14 | |