Renato Tapia biography: Peruvian midfielder

Renato Tapia is, without question, one of the most important Peruvian midfielders of his generation. Before turning 30, he had already played 144 matches in Spain’s La Liga, won titles with Feyenoord in the Netherlands and represented Peru more than 90 times. After five seasons in Spanish football, he changed course in 2025 by signing for Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates. This is the story of “El Cabezón”, from his Eredivisie debut to his time in Emirati football.

Who is Renato Tapia?

Renato Tapia is a Peruvian footballer born in Lima on July 28, 1995. He plays as a defensive midfielder and can also play at center back. His current club is Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates. He has played for Peru since 2015, making more than 90 appearances and finishing runner-up at the Copa América.

Renato Tapia’s childhood and early years

Renato Tapia was born in Lima to a family that supported his football talent from an early age. Unlike many Peruvian players, who begin in the domestic league, Tapia moved to Europe as a teenager. He developed in the youth teams of FC Twente in the Netherlands, a club known for developing young players in the Eredivisie.

In Dutch football, he learned the tactical discipline and physical intensity that would later make him a prominent midfielder. His time with the reserve side, Jong FC Twente, between 2013 and 2015 was his apprenticeship: he played more than twenty second-division matches before establishing himself in the first team.

Renato Tapia’s professional career

Renato Tapia’s career has been marked by competing in European leagues and gaining top-level playing time from a young age. These are its main milestones:

• 2013: Signs for FC Twente in the Netherlands and begins his professional development.
• 2014: Makes his official Eredivisie debut at just 19, showing rapid progress in the Dutch top flight.
• 2016: Signs for Feyenoord of Rotterdam, one of the Netherlands’ three major clubs.
• 2017: Wins the Eredivisie with Feyenoord, the first title of his career.
• 2018: Plays for Peru at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
• 2019: Finishes runner-up at the Copa América with Peru.
• 2020: Joins Celta de Vigo in Spain’s La Liga, where he spends four seasons.
• 2024: Signs for CD Leganés, also in La Liga.
• 2025: After Leganés is relegated, ends his contract and signs for Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates.

The Netherlands: Twente and Feyenoord

Tapia established himself during his years in the Netherlands. At FC Twente he played 34 matches and scored 6 goals, an unusual tally for a defensive midfielder that drew Feyenoord’s attention. With the Rotterdam side between 2016 and 2019, he enjoyed some of his best years in Europe: he won the Eredivisie in 2016-17, the KNVB Cup twice (2015-16 and 2017-18) and two Dutch Super Cups (2017 and 2018). In all, he won five trophies with the European club closest to his heart.

Celta and Leganés: five years in La Liga

Tapia arrived at Celta de Vigo in August 2020 and became an important part of midfield. Over four seasons he played 120 matches for the Galician club, including its last-day escape from relegation in 2022-23 with a win over Barcelona at Balaídos. His work rate and ability to win the ball made him a favorite with Celta supporters.

In 2024 he signed for CD Leganés and returned to La Liga. The Madrid-area club was relegated to the second division at the end of 2024-25. Although under contract until June 2026, Tapia ended the agreement to pursue a new opportunity. He finished his Spanish spell with 144 La Liga appearances: 120 for Celta and 24 for Leganés.

Al Wasl: a new stage in Emirati football

In May 2025, Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates announced the signing of the Peruvian international for two seasons. “Al Wasl announces the signing of Peruvian international Renato Tapia for the next two seasons, officially joining the Emperor’s squad. He will wear the number 13 shirt,” the club stated. The Emirati side had just won the UAE Super Cup against Qatar’s Al Sadd.

Known as “The Emperor”, Al Wasl is one of the most successful clubs in the UAE, with eight league titles. Diego Maradona managed the club between 2011 and 2012, years before Tapia arrived.

Peru national team: more than 90 appearances

Renato Tapia has a long history with Peru’s national team. He debuted in 2015 and became a regular during World Cup qualifying campaigns. Under Ricardo Gareca, he experienced qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and Peru’s runner-up finish at the 2019 Copa América, playing alongside figures such as Paolo Guerrero and Christian Cueva. Between January 2015 and September 2025, he made 92 appearances and scored 5 goals for Peru.

His national-team career has also included controversy: he did not play at the 2024 Copa América after failing to reach an agreement with the Peruvian Football Federation on injury insurance. In 2026, his absence from some squads amid the generational transition led by coach Mano Menezes sparked debate in Peru’s sports press.

Renato Tapia’s personal life

Renato Tapia is known for keeping a low profile off the pitch. Having lived abroad for much of his life since adolescence, he has maintained a reserved public image focused on his profession. His nickname, “El Cabezón”, dates from his early career and is used by teammates and supporters.

In 2026, rumors linked him with Argentina’s River Plate after reports of a supposed conversation with Eduardo Coudet’s coaching staff. Tapia publicly denied any formal approach and reaffirmed his commitment to Al Wasl.

Facts about Renato Tapia

• He is one of the few Peruvians to win titles in the Eredivisie: with Feyenoord he won 5 trophies (1 league, 2 cups and 2 super cups).
• He played more than 140 matches in Spain’s La Liga, a rare tally for a Peruvian footballer.
• Al Wasl, his current club, was managed by Diego Maradona between 2011 and 2012.
• He missed the 2024 Copa América after requesting injury insurance and failing to reach an agreement with the Peruvian Football Federation.
• He made his Eredivisie debut at just 19, becoming one of the youngest Peruvians to reach a European top flight.
• At his peak market valuation in October 2021, he was worth 9,5 million euros.

Renato Tapia in 2026

By mid-2026, Renato Tapia was in the second season of his Al Wasl contract. He had played more than 1.300 minutes in the UAE Pro League and established himself in midfield. His 2025-26 season statistics included 0 goals, 6 yellow cards and an average match rating above 6,9.

His situation with Peru’s national team remains a subject of debate: he has not been called up since the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. In 2026, coach Mano Menezes, overseeing a generational transition ahead of qualification for the 2030 World Cup, did not select him for friendlies against Haiti and Spain. Tapia has said that he has never closed the door on Peru and still hopes for another call-up. Famosix continues to follow developments in his career.

Conclusion

Renato Tapia represents a generation of Peruvian footballers developed abroad: professional, disciplined and competitive at the highest level. His years in the Eredivisie and La Liga, five titles with Feyenoord and more than 90 appearances for Peru have made him a prominent figure in Peruvian football. For more about Peru’s national team, read the biography of Paolo Guerrero or that of Christian Cueva here on Famosix.

Sources consulted

• Wikipedia: Renato Tapia.
• RPP: Renato Tapia responds to criticism of his move to Al Wasl.
• Líbero: Renato Tapia of Al Wasl remains open to playing for Peru.