Luc Castaignos

Luc Castaignos (born 27 September 1992) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for South Korean K League 2 club Gyeongnam FC.

Luc Castaignos
Castaignos with Feyenoord in 2011
Personal information
Full name Luc Castaignos
Date of birth (1992-09-27) 27 September 1992
Place of birth Schiedam, Netherlands
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position(s) Striker
Club information
Current team
 Gyeongnam
Number 9
Youth career
1997–2006 Excelsior '20
2006–2007 Spartaan '20
2007–2009 Feyenoord
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2011 Feyenoord 37 (15)
2011–2012 Internazionale 6 (1)
2012–2015 Twente 94 (37)
2015–2016 Eintracht Frankfurt 19 (4)
2016–2019 Sporting CP 9 (0)
2017–2018 → Vitesse (loan) 29 (2)
2019– Gyeongnam 22 (3)
National team
2008–2009 Netherlands U17 17 (13)
2010–2011 Netherlands U19 17 (8)
2012 Netherlands U20 1 (0)
2011–2014 Netherlands U21 15 (6)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 6 January 2020

Early years

The roots of Castaignos' family are located in the département of Landes, one hundred kilometers south of Bordeaux in the south-west of France. There, Castaignos' father, the French-born Jean-Luc Castaignos, met Castaignos' mother who is of Cape Verdean descent and holder of an Italian passport. In October 1990, two years before Luc's birth, the family moved to the Netherlands.[1]

Club career

Youth career

Castaignos started his youth career at the local Schiedam club Excelsior '20. The youngster lived close to Sportpark Thurlede, the home ground of the Catholic club. His former Excelsior '20 coach, Paul Benschop, was soon convinced by Castaignos' quality: "Everyone could see how much potential he had. Whenever we conceded a goal, Luc would take care of business."[2] At the age of 13, Castaignos participated on regional club Spartaan '20's opening day. The club from Rotterdam, youth partner of Feyenoord, saw plenty of potential in the youngster and invited him to join. Castaignos only played one season for Spartaan '20. When various professional clubs showed their interest, Spartaan '20 warned Feyenoord.[2]

At the age of 14, Castaignos joined the Feyenoord Academy in the summer of 2007. On 30 October 2008, Castaignos signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord keeping him at De Kuip until summer 2011 with an option for another 2 seasons.[3]

Feyenoord

After a successful performance with the Netherlands U17 at the 2009 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, a clutch of sides were linked to the Dutch youngster. Besides Arsenal, also Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Internazionale, Bayern Munich and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim showed their interest in the Feyenoord top scorer.[4] However, on 22 July 2009, Castaignos crushed all rumours and told Feyenoord manager Mario Been and technical advisor Leo Beenhakker he wanted to stay in Rotterdam.[5]

On 21 June 2009, Been announced he invited Castaignos to train with the first team squad a few times a week.[6] On 13 August 2009, Castaignos trained with the first team squad for the first time.[7] Castaignos made his official debut in Feyenoord's first team on 24 September 2009 replacing Leroy Fer in the 72nd minute in the KNVB Cup away match against Harkemase Boys (0–5).[8] Five months later after making his first team debut and being on the unused bench, Castaignos made his debut, coming on for Jon Dahl Tomasson in a 3–2 loss against Groningen on 28 February 2010. That season later on, he would make two more appearance and the club would finish fourth place.

The 2010–2011 campaign proved to be Castaignos' breakout season, stemming from squad rotation and losses in the transfer market.[9] However, for the club, the club finished 10th place in the league, missing out on the Europa League in the process. He scored his first career goal on 28 August 2010 in a 4–0 win over Vitesse Arnhem. Castaignos made his Europa League debut in a 1–0 win over Gent, coming on as a substitute. On 22 February 2011, he scored his first brace of his career, in a 2–2 draw against ADO Den Haag. His goal on the season's final day against N.E.C. would prove to be his last at the club. When it was all said and done, Castaignos led the team in scoring with 15 goals.

Internazionale

After rampant speculation during the January transfer window linking Castaignos with Italian giants Inter,[10] On 4 March 2011, Feyenoord announced that they had agreed to terms with Internazionale, selling Castaignos for a fee believed to be around €3 Million upon the completions of the 2010–2011 season.[11]

He featured throughout preseason, most notably scoring the opening goal in a friendly against Celtic on 30 July 2011.[12] He made his competitive debut for Inter in a Supercoppa Italiana, coming on for Joel Obi in a 2–1 loss against Milan, where he played in front of 70,000 people at Beijing National Stadium, Beijing China PR.

He made his full league debut in a 3–1 loss against Novara. Castaignos scored his first goal in Serie A in an away match to Siena on 27 November 2011, latching on to Thiago Motta’s through ball before firing low past Brkić, which proved to be the gamewinner.[13]

On 17 February 2012, in a 3–0 loss against Bologna, Castaignos was involved in altercation with Andrea Raggi after Castaignos spat on Raggi in the 85th minute. After Serie A officials reviewed footage of the incident, he was subsequently banned for three matches.[14] His actions caused Inter to immediately move him into a reserve role, scoring twice in three appearances for the reserve squad. In April 2012, Castaignos suffered an hamstring injury, missing out for the rest of the season during a match against Calcio Padova.[15]

At the end of the season, Castaignos announced his intention to leave Inter in favor of a 'big club'.[16] Liverpool tried and failed to sign him in the January transfer window.[17] as well as West Ham United,[18] Everton,[18] and even including his former club Feyenoord.[19]

Twente

On 28 July 2012, Castaignos made his return to the Eredivisie when Twente agreed to terms with Internazionale for 6 million euros.[20][21] Castaignos was seen as the replacement for the former Twente striker Luuk de Jong, who had been sold to Borussia Mönchengladbach. On 12 August 2012, he made his debut, coming on for Dmitri Bulykin in the second half, in a 4–1 win over Groningen. On 26 August 2012, he scored his first goal and set up a goal for Dmitri Bulykin in a 3–1 win over NEC Nijmegen.

Eintracht Frankfurt

After three prolific seasons at Twente, he moved abroad again in 2015 to play for German Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, signing for three seasons and a fee of 2,5 million euros.[22] He scored his first two league goals for the club in an August 2015 4–1 win over VfB Stuttgart.[23] After a promising start at the club, he was relegated to the bench in the second part of the season.

Sporting CP

In summer 2016, Castaignos joined compatriot Bas Dost at Portuguese side Sporting CP on a three-year deal.[24] He was handed his first start for Sporting only in November, in a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.[25]

Vitesse (loan)

On 7 August 2017, Castaignos returned to the Netherlands to join Vitesse on a season-long loan.[26]

Gyeongnam FC

On 20 February 2019, Castaignos officially joined South Korean K League 1 football club Gyeongnam FC.[27]

Career statistics
As of match played 17 February 2019.[28]
Club Season League Cup Europe/Asia Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Feyenoord 2009–10 Eredivisie 3020——50
2010–11 Eredivisie 3415102[lower-alpha 1]0—3715
Total 37153020—4215
Internazionale 2011–12 Serie A 6110001[lower-alpha 2]081
Twente 2012–13 Eredivisie 3413218[lower-alpha 1]0—4414
2013–14 Eredivisie 311400——3114
2014–15 Eredivisie 2910432[lower-alpha 1]1—3514
Total 943764101—11042
Eintracht Frankfurt 2015–16 Bundesliga 19411—1[lower-alpha 3]0215
2016–17 Bundesliga 0010——10
Total 19421—10225
Sporting CP 2016–17 Primeira Liga 606[lower-alpha 4]01[lower-alpha 5]0—130
Vitesse (loan) 2017–18 Eredivisie 292105[lower-alpha 1]12[lower-alpha 6]0373
Sporting CP 2018–19 Primeira Liga 301[lower-alpha 7]00[lower-alpha 5]0—40
Gyeongnam FC 2019 K League 1 [lower-alpha 8]—
Career total 191591951824023266
  1. Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  2. Appearance(s) in Supercoppa Italiana
  3. Appearance(s) in Bundesliga relegation play-offs
  4. Three appearances in Taça de Portugal, three in Taça da Liga
  5. Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  6. Appearance(s) in Eredivisie European play-offs
  7. Three appearances in Taça de Portugal, three in Taça da Liga
  8. Appearance(s) in AFC Champions League

International career

Netherlands U17

At the age of 15, Castaignos made his first international appearance on 18 September 2008 in a friendly match of the Netherlands U17 against Spain U17 (0–0).[29]

Castaignos' international fame started to rise after the 2009 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship in Germany. The Dutch team, aided by a strong contingent of seven Feyenoord players in the squad, finished second after losing the final to Germany U17 in extra-time (2–1).[30] Castaignos was considered one of the key players in the team,[31] picked up the tournament's top scorer award alongside Lennart Thy[32] and was mentioned in the team of the tournament.[33] With 13 goals, Castaignos is the all-time top scorer of the Netherlands U17.

Playing style

Castaignos playing style led the media to compare him to Thierry Henry.[34][35]

Honours

Sporting CP

gollark: But things could be WORSE in two days.
gollark: It says he is on the side.
gollark: > after we possibly elect lyric in gibson's election, what if we hate him again? he might not run a vote like this agaInJust don't elect him?
gollark: Anyway, this seems reasonable and gibson should accept.
gollark: Exactly.

References
  1. "Castaignos: voetbaltiener in de glazen kooi" [Castaignos: football teenager in glass cage]. AD (in Dutch). 26 September 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  2. "Tienerster moet Feyenoord gaan redden" [Teenage star to go save Feyenoord]. De Pers (in Dutch). 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 20 June 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  3. "Luc Castaignos tekent eerste profcontract" [Luc Castaignos signs first professional contract]. Feyenoord.nl (in Dutch). 30 October 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  4. "Real wil speler Feyenoord-jeugd" [Real wants player Feyenoord youth]. De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 15 June 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  5. "Castaignos blijft Feyenoorder" [Castaignos remains Feyenoorder]. De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 22 July 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  6. "Been gaat Castaignos al kans geven" [Been already to give Castaignos chance]. AD (in Dutch). 21 June 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  7. "Luc Castaignos traint voor eerste maal met selectie mee" [Luc Castaignos trains with the first team for the first time]. Feyenoord.nl (in Dutch). 13 August 2009. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  8. "Feyenoord boekt onberispelijke zege in Friesland" [Flawless victory for Feyenoord in Friesland]. Feyenoord.nl (in Dutch). 24 September 2009. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  9. В бой идет одна молодежь! (in Russian). Sport Tribune. 26 November 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  10. Интер начнет переговоры с Феейноордом (in Russian). Football.ua. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  11. "Luc Castaignos podpisał kontrakt z Interem!" (in Polish). FC Inter Official Page. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  12. "Inter vs. Celtic Match Report". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011.
  13. "Triunfo agónico del Inter en Siena" (in Spanish). Prensa Libre. 27 November 2011. Archived from the original on 12 December 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  14. "Sputa sull'avversario, tre turni a Castaignos" (in Italian). corriere.it. 19 February 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  15. "Infortunio Castaignos: l'esito degli esami" (in Italian). Inter.it. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  16. "Castaignos to leave Inter". Sky Sports. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  17. https://metro.co.uk/2012/01/13/luc-castaignos-chase-hots-up-as-bologna-leap-frog-liverpool-283423/
  18. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-fighting-everton-for-luc-castaignos-906506
  19. "Feyenoord eyeing Castaignos". Sky Sports. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  20. "Twente achète Castaignos (Inter)" (in French). 28 July 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  21. "Twente capture Castaignos". Sky Sports. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  22. Luc Castaignos naar Eintracht Frankfurt – FC Twente (in Dutch)
  23. Hoofdrol Castaignos bij winnend Eintracht Frankfurt – NOS (in Dutch)
  24. Dubbelslag Sporting Lissabon: Castaignos in spoor van Dost – Voetbal International (in Dutch)
  25. Dost blij met reserverol: 'Castaignos verdiende het' – Voetbal International (in Dutch)
  26. "Castaignos strengthens Vitesse". SBV Vitesse Official Site. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  27. "경남, 인테르 출신 룩 카스타이노스 영입 발표". Sportal Korea. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  28. "L. Castaignos". Soccerway. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  29. "Nieuwe start tegen oude bekende" [New start against old friend]. Ons Oranje (in Dutch). 18 September 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
  30. "Germany secure maiden U17 crown". UEFA. 18 May 2009. Archived from the original on 14 August 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  31. "Grand Duchy prepares for Elite test". UEFA. 18 March 2009. Archived from the original on 7 June 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  32. "Castaignos and Thy share scorers' prize". UEFA. 18 May 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  33. "Ten future stars from 2009 finals". UEFA. 19 May 2009. Archived from the original on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  34. "Don mortero (Luc Castaignos)" (in Spanish). El Enganche. 10 July 2009. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  35. "Man Utd target Dutch whizkid Luc Castaignos". Total Football Madness. 15 June 2009. Archived from the original on 18 June 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
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