Fran Castillo’s rapid rise, from Tercera to Castellón and a pro debut at 29 | OneFootball

Fran Castillo’s rise has taken him from Tercera Federación to CD Castellón inside three years, with a professional debut to come at 29. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the Málaga-born playmaker has linked up with the albinegro project this summer.

In 2023/24, Castellón dazzled in Primera Federación with Haralabos Voulgaris at the helm and Dick Schreuder in the dugout. Their front-foot football delivered a deserved promotion to Segunda, a campaign that restored their professional status.

That same season, Castillo dropped to Tercera with Juventud de Torremolinos, Spain’s fifth tier, and helped win group nine. He then stepped up to Segunda Federación.

With trust and responsibility, he excelled in 2024/25, scoring 17 goals and supplying seven assists. He was named the division’s best player and led Torremolinos to promotion to Primera Federación, while Castellón secured safety in Segunda.

Primera Federación heavyweights took notice, and an ambitious Ibiza, who ultimately finished mid-table, came calling. Castillo answered with nine league goals and one assist, adding quality in the final third.

After Castellón flirted with promotion to Primera by contesting the play-offs, their paths converged. His first outing for the albinegros could come on Wednesday after minor discomfort kept him out against Sabadell and Valencia, and he may feature against Girona at SkyFi Castalia.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo