Zavala’s father, Carlos “Chino” Zavala, played professionally for Deportivo Toluca F.C. When his father retired from professional soccer, he moved the family to Santa Ana, California.
In 2009 he moved abroad again, signing with Mexico's Club América for $3 million after lengthy negotiations; he made his debut for his new team against Deportivo Toluca FC, scoring from his own half in a 7–2 routing.
In late July 2007, after a failed transfer to Deportivo Toluca F.C. for personal reasons, he signed a four-year contract for F.C. Porto, in a €4 million deal.
Deportivo Cali | Toluca | Deportivo Pereira | Deportivo de La Coruña | Deportivo Saprissa | Deportivo Cuenca | Cúcuta Deportivo | Club Deportivo Universidad Católica | Deportivo Táchira | Club Deportivo El Nacional | Deportivo Quito | Club Deportivo Olimpia | Deportivo Toluca F.C. | Deportivo Maldonado | Club Social y Deportivo Macará | Club Deportivo Plaza Amador | Toluca Lake | Deportivo Petapa | Deportivo Municipal de La Paz | Deportivo Marquense | Deportivo Lara | Deportivo Español | Club Deportivo San José | Club Deportivo Atlético Español | Centro Social Deportivo Barber | Toluca Valley | Toluca Lake, Los Angeles | Metro Deportivo 18 de Marzo | Deportivo Xinabajul | Deportivo Mixco |
The club scored its first goal in the second round against Deportivo Toluca F.C. in the Estadio Tamaulipas and would win its first until the 5th round against Necaxa.