Right Now: The Journey of American Youth Soccer Player Francis Castillo
From MLS’s Philadelphia Union in Pennsylvania to trying out at Spain’s La Liga club Cadiz CF…. few American players travel the globe developing their game and looking for the next step in their soccer career like Francis Castillo.
Francis Castillo, a talented youth soccer player hailing from Pennsylvania, is the essence of dedication in the pursuit of his dream to become a professional athlete. From leaving home as a teenager and traveling the world to improve his skills as well as go on trials at professional soccer clubs, this youth soccer player has not only the talent but the determination required for success.
Francis’ relentless focus on developing his skills is visible in his dedication — from waking up at 3 am every day when he was 17 years old for training at Philly Union to leaving home to play for International Soccer Academy‘s Schalke 04 Integrated team in Europe. Francis has played for Esperança de Lagos in Portugal and trained with Bundesliga giants FC Köln and Werder Bremen in Germany. 
Born to parents from El Salvador and Nicaragua, this 18-year-old grew up in the USA and his passion for the game first started on the sidelines of his father’s Sunday soccer matches — in fact, it was while watching his dad play that he took his first steps.
Now, after a stint on the Nicaraguan National Team in January 2024, Francis’s journey has taken him to the south of Spain where he is on trial at the La Liga club Cadiz CF.
