Romeo Castelen

Dutch former footballer

Romeo Erwan Marius Castelen (born 3 May 1983) is a Dutch former footballer who played as a right winger.

Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, Castelen started his professional career with ADO Den Haag, playing two full seasons in the second division. He made his first team debut at not yet 18, and contributed with nine goals in 24 games in 2002–03 as the club returned to the Eredivisie, as champions. Castelen made his top level debut on 16 August 2003, in a 0–1 away loss against RKC Waalwijk. He only missed six matches during the campaign as The Hague side narrowly avoided relegation (15th position).

Castelen moved to Feyenoord for 2004–05, making his official debut for his new team on 15 August and scoring a brace in a 6–1 home win against De Graafschap. He netted 19 goals in his first two years with the Rotterdam side combined, as it finished fourth and third respectively. Together with Salomon Kalou and Dirk Kuyt, Castelen was part of an efficient Feyenoord attack. He only appeared in 23 contests in his second year however, due to injury. Castelen could only amass 12 league matches in 2006–07 due to an ankle ailment, as Feyenoord finished in seventh position. On 22 April 2007 he scored his only game of the season, in a 1–1 home draw against NEC Nijmegen.

Castelen was declared fit prior to the start of the 2007–08 campaign, with his contract expiring at the end of that season. He was offered a new deal, but declined to sign it after deeming his future at the club as not very bright due to its recent results. However, when players like Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Kevin Hofland and Roy Makaay were signed, he reconsidered, but eventually agreed on terms with Hamburger SV from Germany in late July 2007, signing a four year contract; and he was released in June 2012 after his contract was not renewed.

After nearly one year out of football, Castelen signed with Russian Premier League team FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod on 15 February 2013. He was released at the end of the season. On 3 July 2013, Castelen returned to his homeland and its top division, joining RKC. Roughly one year later, he signed a two year contract with A League club Western Sydney Wanderers FC. He participated with his new team at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, scoring the opener against ES Sétif in the fifth place match, which ended in a penalty shootout loss after a 2–2 draw. In the 2015–16 campaign, Castelen netted seven goals overall. Three of those came in the final series' semi finals, a 5–4 extra time win over Brisbane Roar FC. However, on 5 May 2016, he was released. On 14 July 2016, Castelen signed with K League Classic team Suwon Samsung Bluewings. In the 2018 January transfer window, the 34 year old returned to his country and joined VVV Venlo, making his debut against former club Den Haag. He retired from professional football later that year. Since then, he has worked as an agent, advising players such as Evert Linthorst and Simon Janssen.

Castelen's solid beginnings with Feyenoord impressed newly appointed Dutch national team manager Marco van Basten, and the player made his debut with Oranje on 18 August 2004, starting in a 2–2 friendly draw in Sweden. His physical condition, however, denied him a spot in the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Also in 2006, Castelen helped the under 21 team win the UEFA European Championship in Portugal.

In 1989, both Castelen's mother and sister died in the Surinam Airways Flight PY764 crash in which 15 Surinamese footballers lost their lives.

+ Romeo Castelen: International Goals # Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 30 March 2005 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 1–0 2–0 2006 World Cup qualification