Nery Antonio Castillo Martínez (born 30 September 1987) is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a striker. Throughout his career, he featured for clubs in Mexico, Greece, France, England, and the United States, and earned caps for the Mexico national team.
Early life and youth career
Castillo was born in Puebla, Mexico. He began his football development with local youth clubs before joining the youth academy of Club América.
Club career
| Years | Club | Appearances (Goals) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–2006 | Club América | 2 (0) |
| 2006–2008 | Olympiacos (Greece) | 38 (12) |
| 2008–2009 | Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) – loan | 0 (0) |
| 2009 | Valencia (Spain) – loan | 6 (0) |
| 2009–2011 | Club América | 15 (1) |
| 2010 | Veracruz (Mexico) – loan | 14 (5) |
| 2011 | Monterrey (Mexico) – loan | 10 (3) |
| 2012–2014 | New York Cosmos (USA) | 20 (5) |
| 2014 | FC Dallas (USA) – short‑term contract | 2 (0) |
| 2015–2016 | Puebla (Mexico) | 13 (1) |
| 2017 | Club Veracruz (Mexico) – second stint | 8 (0) |
| 2018 | Retired from professional football | — |
Castillo’s most productive spell occurred at Olympiacos, where he contributed to the club’s domestic league titles in 2006–07 and 2007–08. His tenure in Europe was marked by several loan moves, after which he returned to Mexico and later played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) with the New York Cosmos.
International career
Castillo was eligible to represent both Mexico and Bosnia and Herzegovina through his heritage but elected to play for Mexico. He earned his first senior cap on 27 March 2008 in a friendly against Chile and scored his first international goal on 17 August 2008 against the United States. In total, he made 10 appearances for the Mexico national team, scoring 3 goals. He was part of the squad for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, winning the tournament.
Style of play
Known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and finishing, Castillo operated primarily as a central striker. Coaches and analysts highlighted his capacity to hold up play and link with midfielders, though consistency and injury setbacks limited his impact at the highest levels.
Post‑retirement
Following his retirement, Castillo has remained involved in football through occasional commentary and youth coaching initiatives in Mexico. He has also pursued business interests related to sports management.
Honours
Club
- Olympiacos
- Super League Greece: 2006–07, 2007–08
- Greek Cup: 2006–07
International
- Mexico
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2009
References
Statistical records from official league databases, FIFA match archives, and club press releases are the primary sources for the data presented.
