Samu Castillejo is a Spanish professional footballer known for his agility and skill on the pitch.
He began his senior career with Málaga, making his debut at just 16 years old.
In 2018, Castillejo signed with AC Milan, marking a significant step in his career.
Biography
Early Life
Samuel "Samu" Castillejo Azuaga was born in Barcelona, Catalonia, where his father served as a Guardia Civil officer. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Málaga, Andalusia, where Samu would later develop his passion for football. He graduated from Málaga's youth system and made his senior debut with the reserves at just 16 years old, showcasing his talent in the Tercera División for three full seasons. His wiry frame earned him the nickname "El Fideo," reflecting his agility and ability to maneuver in tight spaces.
Career
Castillejo's professional journey began in earnest when he was called up to the first team of Málaga by manager Javi Gracia in June 2014. He made a memorable impact during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United, scoring twice and earning the player of the match title. He made his La Liga debut on August 29, 2014, and scored his first professional goal on February 2, 2015, against Valencia.
In June 2015, he signed a five-year deal with Villarreal CF, where he continued to impress, scoring six goals in his third season and helping the team qualify for the UEFA Europa League. His career took a significant turn when he joined AC Milan on August 17, 2018, where he made his Serie A debut shortly after. Following his stint in Italy, Castillejo moved to Valencia CF in 2022 and later to US Sassuolo Calcio in 2023. As of 2025, he is set to play for Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C.
Playing Style
Primarily a winger, Castillejo is known for his left-footed prowess and versatility, occasionally playing as a supporting striker or false 9. His ability to adapt to various attacking roles has made him a valuable asset to his teams throughout his career.
Personal Life
In June 2020, Castillejo faced a harrowing experience when he was robbed at gunpoint in Milan. Tragically, on November 1, 2024, his brother José, a former youth footballer for Valencia, was confirmed as a casualty in the devastating floods in Spain. Castillejo's journey reflects both his professional achievements and personal challenges, marking him as a notable figure in contemporary football.
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Career & Clubs
Málaga
Castillejo was born in Barcelona, Catalonia where his father, a Guardia Civil officer, was stationed at the time; the family resettled in Málaga, Andalusia within a few months. He graduated from Málaga's youth system, made his senior debut with the reserves in 2011 aged only 16, and went on to play three full seasons in the Tercera División. He was given the nickname El Fideo ("the noodle" in Spanish), due to his "wiry frame and ability to squirm away in tight spaces". In June 2014, Castillejo was called up by first-team manager Javi Gracia for the pre-season. He was named player of the match in a 3–1 friendly win against Newcastle United where he scored twice. He was promoted to the main squad the following month. Castillejo made his debut with the first team on 29 August 2014, coming on as a substitute for fellow youth graduate Juanmi in the 57th minute of a 3–0 La Liga away loss to Valencia. He scored his first professional goal on 2 February, the winner in a home victory over the same opposition.
Villarreal
Castillejo joined Villarreal on 18 June 2015 alongside his Málaga teammate Samu García, signing a five-year deal. He scored six times in his third season, helping his team to qualify for the UEFA Europa League after a fifth-place finish.
AC Milan
Castillejo signed with AC Milan on 17 August 2018, with Carlos Bacca moving in the opposite direction. He made his Serie A debut on 31 August, starting in the 2–1 victory over Roma at the…
Castillejo plays mainly as a winger on either side of the pitch, although he relies mostly on his stronger left foot. He also plays occasionally as a supporting striker or a false 9.
- Club
- Villarreal CF (2015–2018)
- Club
- Atlético Malagueño (2011–2014)
- Club
- Cruz Azul (2014–2015)
- Club
- Spain national under-16 association football team (2011–2011)
- Club
- Spain national under-17 association football team (2011–2012)
- Club
- Spain national under-21 association football team (2015–2015)
- Club
- Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. (2025–)
- National team
- Spain
- Club
- US Sassuolo Calcio (2023–2024)
- Club
- AC Milan (2018–2022)
- Club
- Valencia CF (2022–2024)
Personal
In June 2020, Castillejo was robbed of his watch at gunpoint in Milan. On 1 November 2024 his 28-year-old brother José, who played youth football for Valencia, was confirmed a casualty in the Spain floods.
Clubs
- Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C.2025current
- Atlético Malagueño2011–2014
- Spain national under-16 association football team2011–2011
- Spain national under-17 association football team2011–2012
- Cruz Azul2014–2015
- Spain national under-21 association football team2015–2015
- Villarreal CF2015–2018
- AC Milan2018–2022
- Valencia CF2022–2024
- US Sassuolo Calcio2023–2024
Played together with
- Aarón EscandellValencia CF · 2008–2012
- Aarón EscandellVillarreal CF · 2003–2008
- Aarón GalindoCruz Azul · 2002–2006
Aarón MartínSpain national under-21 association football team
Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-16 association football team · 2004–2005- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-17 association football team · 2005–2006
- Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-21 association football team · 2008–2009
- Aarón ÑíguezValencia CF · 2007–2011
- Abdon SgarbiAC Milan · 1927–1929
- Abdullah OthmanJohor Darul Ta'zim F.C.
Abel Gómez MorenoAtlético Malagueño · 2004–2006
Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-21 association football team · 1990–1991
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Samuel "Samu" Castillejo Azuaga is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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