Rocco Vata (born 18 April 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Watford. Born in Scotland, he represents the Republic of Ireland national team.
Club career Celtic
Born in Glasgow, Vata followed in the footsteps of his father, former professional footballer and Celtic player Rudi Vata by joining Celtic at the age of seven. He signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2021.
He was included in pre-season training with the Celtic first team ahead of the 2022–23 season, but was assigned to the club's B team in 2022, making his debut in the Lowland League the same year. Following impressive performances for Celtic's youth and B teams, he is seen as one of Celtic and Ireland's most promising players, and was linked with Italian clubs Juventus, Roma and AC Milan, as well as English sides Arsenal and Manchester City in October 2022.
Vata made his first team debut for Celtic on 28 December 2022, coming on as a substitute for Matt O'Riley as Celtic beat Hibernian 4–0 away at Easter Road. He scored his first senior goal in a 5–0 rout of Buckie Thistle on 21 January 2024 in the 2023–24 Scottish Cup.
Watford On 5 July 2024, Vata signed for EFL Championship club Watford on a four-year contract.
International career Vata is eligible to represent Albania through his father (who played for the Albania national team), the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother on his mother's side, Scotland through his mother and by virtue of being born there, and Montenegro.
On 31 August 2023, Vata received his first call up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification fixtures against Turkey U21 and San Marino U21 on 8 and 12 September 2023. He made his U21 debut in the San Marino game, scoring twice in a 3–0 win at Turners Cross. On 22 March 2024, he scored a hat-trick on his second appearance for the side, in a 7–0 win away to San Marino U21.
On 13 March 2025, Vata received his first call up to the Republic of Ireland senior team, for their UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria.
Personal life Rocco is the son of former footballer Rudi Vata.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCeltic B2021–22Lowland League247——002472022–23Lowland League169——2118102023–24Lowland League1512——111613Total5528——325830Celtic2022–23Scottish Premiership40000000402023–24Scottish Premiership1011000021Total5011000061Watford2024–25Championship3331130—3752025–26Championship1220000—1222026–27Championship700020—90Total5251150—587Career total1123322503212238
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsRepublic of Ireland202510202620Total30
Honours Celtic Scottish Premiership: 2022–23, 2023–24 Scottish Cup: 2023–24
References
External links