Serie A • Bologna • 2024-25
Matches Played
23
Assists
4
Goals
6
Strength
The Making of a Classic Poacher
Goal-Scoring Instincts: Castro is a high-volume shooter, ranking in the top 20% among strikers in Europe’s top leagues. He takes 2.69 shots per 90 minutes and he’s always looking for opportunities inside the box.
Movement & Positioning: His ability to find space in the penalty area is exceptional. Castro’s movements are reminiscent of classic poachers—he thrives on anticipating deliveries, ghosting into dangerous areas and finishing with both feet and his head.
Physicality & Aerial Ability: Standing at 1.82m (6 ft 0 in), Castro imposes himself physically. He can hold off defenders, battle for aerial duels and use his strength to shield the ball—a trait that makes him a handful for any defense.
Versatility in Attack: While primarily a centre-forward, Castro has also played as a wide forward. He can drop deep to link play, hold up the ball and make well-timed runs into the channels, showcasing his adaptability.
Pressing & Defensive Work: Though not a defensive forward by nature, Castro has improved his pressing ability, often harassing defenders and forcing turnovers. His physicality and work rate make him an asset in Bologna’s high-pressing system.
Professional Journey
From Buenos Aires to Bologna
Santiago Castro’s story is one of determination and ambition. Growing up in San Martín, Buenos Aires, he was inspired by his father, Darío Castro, a former professional footballer who became a local hero at Club Comunicaciones. His father’s guidance helped shape his mentality, instilling the discipline needed to succeed at the highest level.
At 15, Castro joined Vélez Sarsfield’s academy, quickly earning a reputation as a hardworking and clinical forward. His breakthrough came early. On August 3, 2021 at just 16 years old, he made his professional debut against Atlético Tucumán. Over the next two years, he grew into a key player for Vélez, catching the attention of European scouts.
In January 2024, Bologna secured his signature, seeing in him the qualities of a top-class striker. The move to Serie A came with challenges, but Castro remained patient and worked hard. His defining moment arrived on May 20, 2024, when he scored his first Serie A goal and provided an assist in a thrilling 3–3 draw against Juventus. That performance cemented his place in the team, and by the end of the season, he had 8 goals and 7 assists in 23 starts—an impressive tally for a 20-year-old in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Castro’s talent has been recognized at the international level since he was a teenager. He represented Argentina at the U-15 level in 2019, scoring twice in six appearances. By 2022, he was part of the U-20 squad, where he continued to showcase his potential with 2 goals in 4 games.
His rapid rise in Serie A has put him on the radar for a senior call-up, with many believing he could soon be integrated into Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad. Given the national team’s tradition of elite strikers, Castro has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Batistuta, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Lautaro Martínez. If he continues to impress in Italy, a debut for La Albiceleste is only a matter of time.
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