His status across the blue side of Manchester stems from his versatility and work rate.
Winning plaudits from the terraces and critics alike for his tough tackling and committed performances in sky blue, Zabaleta was in the PFA team of the year in 2012-13 and awarded Manchester City's Etihad player of the season 2013.
The latter of which he won after receiving 68% of the vote polled by the supporters club and fans online.
After winning the award, Zabaleta said. “I would like to say thank you to all the City fans who voted for me. This is a great personal honour and sits alongside winning the Premier League title, captaining City and playing for my country.”
This capped off a great season for 'Zaba' which saw him accumulate 42 appearances and 3 goals for City. He also captained the team in Vincent Kompany's absence, in addition to winning the clubs Etihad player of the month awards in January and February.
The 29 year old began his career in Argentina at San Lorenzo in 2002, and was capped at national youth level from 14, captaining the under 20s to World Cup glory in 2005, before being transferred to Spanish outfit Espanyol for GBP2.7million.
Zabaleta helped his new team capture the Copa del Rey in 2006, and achieved a UEFA cup final appearance against fellow Spanish side Sevilla a year later, however Espanyol lost on penalties on the day.
The defender, who has been utilised at right back and in midfield made 84 appearances for Espanyol over three years before transferring to Manchester City.
In 2008, he won an Olympic gold medal, representing his country in Beijing. The team beat Nigeria in the final, thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria.
The Argentine made his EPL debut for City in the home defeat to Chelsea on September 13th 2008, and appeared 39 times for City in his maiden season, quickly becoming a vital member of the first team.
He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Wigan in January 2009, the wait for his second took 22 months, against Fulham in bittersweet circumstances condemning Mark Hughes, the man who brought him to England to defeat with an uncharacteristic yet nonetheless spectacular long range effort.
He quickly reached another landmark at City, making his 100th appearance for the club against Blackpool on new years day 2011.
He has since made 168 appearances for the Citizens.
Despite cementing his name as one of the first on the team sheet at City, this was in stark contrast to the international scene, as Zabaleta was overlooked for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by then manager Diego Maradona.
Zabaleta did however represent his country at the 2011 Copa America and is now a regular starter in the international set up.
He made 39 appearances this season, scoring one goal with a pass completion rate of 85% on the way to winning the Premier league title and League cup.
The talismanic Argentine will be looking to continue his successful season at club level with international honours at this years World Cup in Brazil.
FOOTBALLER'S STRIFE: So adored by the Man City faithful, a facebook group emerged prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa begging Diego Maradona to 'stop ignoring him', however those pleas fell on deaf ears, the Argentina boss did not select the defender for the tournament.
ONE TO REMEMBER: He scored the opening goal on the dramatic final day win against QPR in 2011/12 that helped pave the way for the club's, and Zabaleta's first Premier League winners medal.
ONE TO FORGET: Sent off in the Champions League against Barcelona in the 2nd leg of their knock out phrase fixture, City went on to lose the game 2-1 and the tie 4-1 on aggregate. Zabaleta said: “I am disappointed but also very proud of the team because I think we played a fantastic game.”
FOOTBALLER STATS:
POSITION: Defender
CLUB: Manchester City
DOB: 16/01/1985
INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 36
INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 0
