International Soccer Academy and LaLiga Club, Cádiz C.F., confirm the transfer agreement of the Player Francis Castillo
Rising American soccer player Francis Castillo has signed with the La Liga club Cádiz CF in Spain. Pennsylvania-born, 18-year-old student athlete Castillo played in Germany on the International Soccer Academy Integrated U18 team at FC Schalke 04 last fall.
“It is truly a privilege to represent a historic club like Cádiz CF. Signing with this La Liga club is amazing! It doesn’t feel real but it’s always been a dream and it’s finally happening.”
Francis Castillo, Cádiz CF U23 Player
Castillo was in Nicaragua in February representing the Nicaraguan National Team in the 2024 Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship Qualifiers, and was the top goal scorer, scoring a total of five goals and earning two assists during the tournament.
Cádiz CF bets on Francis Castillo, a player from the prestigious International Soccer Academy with significant potential.
José Luis Donoso, Cádiz CF
“We believe he can continue to demonstrate his worth and reflect it in positive results,” says José Luis Donoso, Cádiz CF’s Chief Operating Officer
As a youth soccer player, he competed for the MLS Next club, FC Delco, and in 2022, he joined MLS’ Philadelphia Union Academy before moving to Europe to develop his skills and continue his high school education online. Castillo is on track to graduate this spring.
Francis is a player with exceptional skills that can make a difference in the game. He has an excellent attitude, and a lot of potential for more development.
Patrick Weiser, former pro and UEFA Pro coach head coach of FC Schalke 04’s U18 Academy
Coach Patrick Weiser had a distinguished 25-year career in German and French football. Holding a UEFA Pro License, he has coached at renowned clubs like FC Köln, VfL Wolfsburg, and Stade Rennais F.C. Weiser’s successful track record includes nurturing talent and facilitating the transition of players to professional levels.
Read More: 18 Year Old Francis Castillo on Trial at Cádiz CF
Francis’ Assistant Coach at Schalke 04 Integrated Academy Rene Lewejohann says, “When I saw Francis for the first time you could feel his positive energy and drive! This energy was reflected on the pitch! His self-confidence and determination to give everything for success. And the fact that he has now been signed by a La Liga club shows how valuable this project can be for each player and, of course, for the clubs.”
Lewejohann is a former player who has coached at regional German clubs like RW Ahlen, Oberhausen, and FSV Duisburg. Rene is an active player for the Schalke 04 Legends team which includes former iconic players of this historic club.
International Soccer Academy Co-Founder Eddie Loewen first identified Castillo as a player to watch when the youth soccer player was scouted for Global Soccer Development’s (GSD) summer program for youth soccer players to train and play against pro academies in Europe.
“Francis Castillo is a player with special weapons and a winning mentality that every coach loves to have in their team. Francis is not even at 50% of his maximum potential as a player and with the right development and guidance he will be a force to be reckoned with on the field,” says International Soccer Academy Co-Founder, Eddie Loewen
Known for his strength, determination, and winning mindset, Castillo, nicknamed “El Toro” by his teammates, continues to impress on and off the field. Castillo trained under the guidance of the experienced coaches of International Soccer Academy’s Bundesliga partner, FC Schalke 04.
Francis left home when he was just 17 to move to Europe and play for the Schalke 04 Integrated Team. He says, “The pursuit of going pro can be very lonely at times, but I am driven by my desire to become a pro. You have to have a lot of discipline to say no to all the temptations you face as a teenager and stay focused on your “job”, which is soccer. This is not easy for a teenager who also wants to experience life with his friends.” We are so glad all his sacrifice has paid off!
“We are thrilled that Cádiz CF has signed him and look forward to his team’s success. We are proud to have helped over twenty contracts be signed by players in Europe since we launched in 2020,” says Diane Scavuzzo, International Soccer Academy Co-Founder and publisher of SoccerToday.
This season, more than 80 American youth soccer players are training in International Soccer Academy’s elite residential Academy programs at Cádiz CF, Hertha BSC, FC Schalke 04 and the FC Bayern Global Academy.
Interested American and Canadian youth soccer players born from 2003 to 2009 can apply by sending a link with their game highlights for the European scouts to review on the International Soccer Academy’s official website. www.internationalsocceracademy.com
