Samuel "Samu" Castillejo Azuaga was born on 18 January 1995 and is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger for Malaysia Super League club Johor Darul Ta'zim.
15 Facts About Samu Castillejo
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Samu Castillejo graduated from Malaga CF's youth system, made his senior debut with the reserves in 2011 aged only 16, and went on to play three full seasons in Tercera Division.
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Samu Castillejo was given the nickname El Fideo, due to his "wiry frame and ability to squirm away in tight spaces".
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In June 2014, Samu Castillejo was called up by first-team manager Javi Gracia for the pre-season.
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Samu Castillejo was promoted to the main squad the following month.
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Castillejo joined Villarreal CF on 18 June 2015 alongside his Malaga teammate Samu Garcia, signing a five-year deal.
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Samu Castillejo scored six times in his third season, helping his team to qualify for the UEFA Europa League after a fifth-place finish.
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Samu Castillejo signed with AC Milan on 17 August 2018, with Carlos Bacca moving in the opposite direction.
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Samu Castillejo was omitted from a 25-player squad list for the UEFA Champions League.
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On 12 July 2022, Samu Castillejo signed a three-year contract with Valencia.
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On 1 September 2023, the last day of the summer transfer window, Samu Castillejo moved to Sassuolo on loan with an option to buy.
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On 27 February 2025, Samu Castillejo joined Johor Darul Ta'zim FC of Malaysian Super League.
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Samu Castillejo plays mainly as a winger on either side of the pitch, although he relies mostly on his stronger left foot.
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Samu Castillejo plays occasionally as a supporting striker or a false 9.
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In June 2020, Samu Castillejo was robbed of his watch at gunpoint in Milan.