Player Profile: Edson Daniel Castillo García

Country: Venezuela

Birthdate: 18 May, 1994

Position: Midfielder

Teams played for: Mineros, Neftchi Baku, Mineros (loan), Adademia Puerto Cabello, Monagas, Zacatepec (loan), Caracas, Monagas, Kaizer Chiefs

Estimated salary: R6 Million per annum

Career Trophies: 1 x Nedbank Cup

Personal Life

Edson Castillo was born in Puerto Ordaz a city in the eastern part of Venezuela, part of the larger metropolitan area of Ciudad Guayana.

Career

He started his playing career at Mineros, making his senior debut at only 16 years old against Aragua in October 2010.

After six seasons with the club, Castillo moved to Azerbaijan Premier League side Neftchi Baku, however, he was loaned back to Mineros until the end of 2017 before parting ways with him that December.

He then joined Academia Puerto Cabello for a single season before being snapped up by Monagas, where he also spent one season before being sent on loan to Mexican club Zacatepec.

The Venezuelan returned home to Monagas for six months before joining Caracas in January 2021.

In June 2021, Castillo made his debut for Venezuela in the 2021 Copa America opener against Brazil, where he came on as a 83rd minute substitute in the 3-0 defeat.

He played a few seasons at Caracas before moving back to Monagas on a free transfer in February 2023.

In July 2023, the midfielder was unveiled as one of seven new signings by Betway Premiership club Kaizer Chiefs on a two year deal.

He made his debut for the South African giants under former head coach Molefi Ntseki and impressed in a goalless draw against Chippa United.

"I think when you look at Edson Castillo, who has never played in South Africa you see so much quality in him," said Ntseki after the match.

"So much intelligence in terms of how he manages the game in possession and out of possession."

He scored his first goal for the club in the 2023/24 MTN 8 quarter final 2-1 win against Cape Town City to send Chiefs to the semi finals.

"I chose to join Kaizer Chiefs because they are one the biggest teams in Africa. Playing here has also helped to get back into the national team," said Castillo.

In October 2024 Edson Castillo fractured his fibula after he was viciously tackled in the SuperSport United 18-yard box, keeping him on the sidelines for six months.

He returned to action on 16 March 2025 as a substitute in Amakhosi's 2-0 loss against Richards Bay.

His current contract ends in June 2025 but Chiefs do have an option to extend.

Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart praises fans and teammates after Nedbank Cup win