Valentn Mariano José “Taty” Castellanos Giménez (born 3 October 1998) is an Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Girona on loan from Major League Soccer club New York City FC.
Fast Facts
| Name | Valentin Castellanos |
| Full name | Valentn Mariano José “Taty” Castellanos Giménez |
| Date of birth | October 3, 1998 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Mendoza, Argentina |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| position | forward |
| Current team | Girona (on loan from New York City FC) |
| Number | 9 |
Club career
Early career
Castellanos began his club career at the Universidad de Chile youth academy. He made his senior team debut against Corinthians in the 2017 Copa Sudamericana, playing 14 minutes. In July 2017, he was loaned to Torque for a year. He scored two goals in 11 appearances while on loan, helping the club win the Segunda Division and gain promotion to Uruguay’s top flight. His move from the Universidad de Chile to Torque became permanent on July 1, 2018.
New York City FC
On July 27, 2018, he signed a loan deal with Major League Soccer club New York City FC until the end of the 2018 season. He started and scored his first goal for New York City FC against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. On November 29, 2018, NYCFC exercised its option to purchase Castellanos ahead of the 2019 season.
In 30 games this season, Castellanos contributed 11 goals and seven assists to New York City’s offense. This form allowed NYCFC to finish first in the Eastern Conference and qualify for their first CONCACAF Champions League.
Castellanos’ output dipped in 2020, with six goals and three assists in 22 games throughout a season shortened by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Castellanos struggled with finishing opportunities, as he had an xG/90 of 0.65 but finished the season with a G/90 of just 0.40. New York City Soccer Club will finish fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Castellanos’ early penalty was saved in a shootout against Orlando City during the first round of the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, but VAR overturned the call because goalkeeper Pedro Gallese left the goal line too early. He scored a second penalty, but NYCFC lost the shootout 6-5, eliminating them from the playoffs.
During the 2021 season, Castellanos was able to finish more consistently, becoming only the fifth player in MLS history to score in each of their club’s first four games. Shortly thereafter, on May 13, 2021, Castellanos signed a new contract with NYCFC through 2025. Throughout the 2021 season, Castellanos was a key component of New York City’s offense.
Girona (On Loan)
Castellanos signed a season-long loan with Girona, who had just been promoted to La Liga. On 25 April 2023, he scored four goals for Girona in their 4–2 win over Real Madrid, becoming the first player to do so in a league match against Real Madrid since December 1947, when Esteban Echevarra scored five goals for Oviedo in one game. won 7-1.
International career
Coach Fernando Batista called up Castellanos for the first time to Argentina’s under-23 national football team in October 2019 for two friendlies against Mexico. He did, however, make his debut during Argentina’s victory in the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament.
Honor
Torque
- Segunda Division of Uruguay
New York City FC
Argentina U23
- CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament: 2020
individual
- NYCFC Player of the Year: August 2021, September 2021
- MLS Player of the Year: October/November 2020, August 2021
- MLS Golden Boot: 2021
- MLS Best XI: 2021
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
