Japanese football club Nagoya Grampus has officially announced the return of Brazilian forward Mateus Castro, marking his rejoining with the team on January 22, 2025. The prolific player, who will wear the number "10" jersey, is set to join teammates when training resumes on January 23, 2025.
At 30 years old, Castro brings back experience and flair to Nagoya Grampus, having previously made significant contributions during his tenure from 2019 to 2023. With the club, he played 173 official matches, netting 48 goals and providing 29 assists. His dynamic dribbling style and adept left foot made him one of the key offensive players on the roster.
Born on September 11, 1994, Castro began his professional career at Omiya Ardija and has played for various clubs, including Al Taawoun FC, where he had recently spent one and a half years. During his last season with Al Taawoun, Castro managed to leave his mark with impressive performances, including 2 assists and vows to return to his best form.
Reflecting on his return to Nagoya Grampus, Castro stated, "I am very happy to be able to return to my beloved country and beloved club. I want to express all this joyful feeling on the pitch and bring great joy to the Grampus family. I will do my best to please everyone and aim to win all titles this season." His words resonate with eagerness and determination as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Mateus Castro's career has been marked by notable highs, including being part of the squad when Nagoya Grampus won the Levain Cup in 2021, their first championship title since his arrival. Following his success there, he moved to other teams, but his yearning for Nagoya's green and red colors pulled him back after spells away.
Castro's stint with Al Taawoun has equipped him with added skills and experience on the pitch. Although he faced major adversity with an Achilles tendon injury sustained in March 2024, he made strides recovering and made his return to competitive football by October of the same year. Now, he is ready to showcase his readiness and skill on the Japan League stage once again.
His commitment to his craft and the club is evident from his strong desire to integrate seamlessly back with the Grampus family. He expressed, “This happy feeling I want to convey all on the pitch to bring joy to everyone.” Their hope is high among supporters as they anticipate Castro's impact to be felt as he aims to achieve all titles possible this coming season.
With knowledge of the J-League's rhythm and demands, Castro joins alongside head coach Kenta Hasegawa's ambition for the club. His assertion of returning to Nagoya signifies not only his personal beliefs but also the mutual respect and affection cultivated between him and the club and its fans.
Fans are eager to see how his dynamic style will amplify the team’s prowess as they gear up for the 2025 season. Will Castro be able to recapture and redefine his role as the energetic playmaker and goal scorer he once was? The anticipation builds, and all eyes will be on this significant reunion.
Castro’s dynamic return is set against the backdrop of J-League's competitive environment, with supporters hopeful for yet another thrilling season, hoping Castro can lead the team to glory and cement his legacy at Nagoya Grampus.