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Rubilio Castillo
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Román Rubilio Castillo Álvarez (born 26 November 1991) is a Honduran professional footballer who plays as a striker for Liga Nacional club Marathón and the Honduras national team.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]On 27 September 2008, Castillo made his professional footballing debut for Vida in the Honduran top flight. He scored his side's only goal in a 1–1 draw with Hispano.[1] On 22 June 2012, Castillo joined Deportes Savio on loan until the end of the year. He made his debut on 30 July, starting in the opening match of the Apertura tournament, in a 3–1 loss to Olimpia.[2] He would score his first goal for Savio the following 12 August in a 4–2 away defeat to Platense.[3][4]
On 4 December 2013, Castillo signed with Motagua, after having been previously linked to Motagua and Olimpia, and as well as having a tryout with Spanish Segunda División side Real Murcia.[5] On 4 September 2015, Castillo joined Ascenso MX club Correcaminos UAT on a year-long loan.[6] He would make his debut for the Mexican side the following 18 September in a 2–0 away defeat against Atlante.[7] He would score his first goal for the club a week later in the 1–0 home defeat of Venados.[8] Castillo returned to Motagua following the end of the loan spell.[9]
On 12 August 2018, Castillo scored the winning goal in Motagua's 1–0 victory over Real España. With this goal, he became the club's all-time top scorer with 77 goals. The goal was also his 100th in the league.[10] After his performance following the 2018 CONCACAF League, he was nominated for Player of the Year and was also included in the Best XI at the 2018 CONCACAF Awards.
On 22 January 2019, Castillo signed with Liga FPD club Deportivo Saprissa. The signing came to fruition after Castillo failed a medical with Super League Greece club PAS Giannina and also broke a pre-contract agreement with China League One club Nantong Zhiyun.[11] He made his league debut the following 6 February, coming off the bench in a 1–0 home win against Santos de Guápiles.[12]
On 26 July 2019, Castillo signed with Primeira Liga club Tondela until June 2022.[13] He made his debut the following 3 August in a 0–1 away loss to Penafiel in the Taça da Liga.[14] He made his debut in the league, alongside fellow countryman Jonathan Toro, the following 12 August in a 0–0 draw with Vitória de Setúbal.[15] On 31 January 2020, Castillo returned to Motagua on a year-long loan until 31 January 2021, after being unable to establish himself with Tondela.[16] On 13 January 2021, Castillo joined Bolivian Primera División club Royal Pari on a year-long loan until 1 January 2022.[17] Castillo and Tondela reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract on 12 February 2022.[18]
On 24 March 2022, free agent Castillo signed with Liga Guate club Comunicaciones.[19] He made his debut the following 3 April, coming of the bench in a 1–0 home win against Municipal.[20] He would score his first goal for the club on 7 April, in a 2–0 away victory against Xelajú.[21] On 6 June, Comunicaciones announced the departure of Castillo.[22]
On 29 June 2022, Castillo signed with Categoría Primera A club Deportivo Pasto.[23] Castillo only made one appearance with the Colombian outfit in a friendly, and was unable to be registered by the club due to an ongoing legal issue with Nantong Zhiyun. The Chinese club was suing Castillo for unilaterally terminating his pre-contract agreement with them because he refused to undergo a medical. He was ordered to pay $218,000 (about 5.3 million lempiras) to the club as compensation for breach of contract.[24] Castillo's contract with Deportivo Pasto was terminated after only a month at the club.
After serving a 6-month suspension from footballing activity, in February 2023, Castillo signed with Nantong Zhiyun, now playing in the Chinese Super League.[25][26] He made his debut in the league on 17 April, in a 2–1 home loss to Dalian Pro.[27] He scored his first goal the following 26 April in a match against Henan, the sole goal in a 1–0 win.[28]
On 4 January 2024, Castillo made his second return to Motagua.[29]
On 23 January 2025, Castillo returned to Colombia and signed with Deportivo Pereira.[30] He made his debut the following 3 February, in a league match against Alianza FC, where he had a goal disallowed in the 0–0 draw.[31] He would score his first goal for the club and first in Categoría Primera A on 19 February, in a 3–1 away loss to Once Caldas.[32] On 6 August, Castillo and the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract after he had fallen out of favor with head coach Rafael Dudamel.[33]
On 21 August 2025, Castillo returned to Honduras and signed with Marathón on a one-year deal.[34] On 27 September, Castillo would score on his debut for the club, managing to execute a bicycle kick for his team's second in a 2–2 home draw with Victoria.[35]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 10 January 2026[36]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Vida | 2008–09 | Liga Nacional | 11 | 1 | — | — | — | 11 | 1 | |||
| 2009–10 | Liga Nacional | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||||
| 2010–11 | Liga Nacional | 10 | 2 | — | — | — | 10 | 2 | ||||
| 2011–12 | Liga Nacional | 8 | 1 | — | — | — | 8 | 1 | ||||
| 2012–13 | Liga Nacional | 17 | 2 | — | — | — | 17 | 2 | ||||
| 2013–14 | Liga Nacional | 17 | 12 | — | — | — | 17 | 12 | ||||
| Total | 66 | 18 | — | — | — | 66 | 18 | |||||
| Deportes Savio (loan) | 2012–13 | Liga Nacional | 18 | 5 | — | — | — | 18 | 5 | |||
| Motagua | 2013–14 | Liga Nacional | 19 | 5 | — | — | — | 19 | 5 | |||
| 2014–15 | Liga Nacional | 44 | 28 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 47 | 30 | |||
| 2015–16 | Liga Nacional | 3 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 1 | |||
| 2016–17 | Liga Nacional | 32 | 19 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 33 | 19 | |||
| 2017–18 | Liga Nacional | 40 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 43 | 23 | ||
| 2018–19 | Liga Nacional | 16 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 | — | 22 | 13 | ||
| Total | 154 | 84 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 5 | — | 167 | 91 | |||
| Correcaminos UAT (loan) | 2015–16 | Ascenso MX | 19 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 20 | 7 | ||
| Saprissa | 2018–19 | Liga FPD | 18 | 7 | — | 2 | 0 | — | 20 | 7 | ||
| Tondela | 2019–20 | Primeira Liga | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Motagua (loan) | 2019–20 | Liga Nacional | 7 | 5 | — | 2 | 0 | — | 9 | 5 | ||
| 2020–21 | Liga Nacional | 14 | 10 | — | 3 | 0 | — | 17 | 10 | |||
| Total | 21 | 15 | — | 5 | 0 | — | 26 | 15 | ||||
| Royal Pari (loan) | 2021 | FBF División Profesional | 25 | 10 | — | 2 | 1 | — | 27 | 11 | ||
| Comunicaciones | 2021–22 | Liga Nacional de Guatemala | 15 | 3 | — | — | — | 15 | 3 | |||
| Nantong Zhiyun | 2023 | Chinese Super League | 25 | 8 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 27 | 9 | ||
| Motagua | 2023–24 | Liga Nacional | 13 | 6 | — | — | — | 13 | 6 | |||
| 2024–25 | Liga Nacional | 17 | 8 | — | 7 | 2 | — | 24 | 10 | |||
| Total | 30 | 14 | — | 7 | 2 | — | 37 | 16 | ||||
| Deportivo Pereira | 2025 | Categoría Primera A | 10 | 1 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 13 | 3 | ||
| Marathón | 2025–26 | Liga Nacional | 12 | 8 | — | — | — | 12 | 8 | |||
| Career total | 400 | 173 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 437 | 186 | ||
International
[edit]- As of match played 20 November 2024[37]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honduras | |||
| 2015 | 11 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 36 | 7 | |
- Scores and results list Honduras' goal tally first.[37]
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 6 June 2015 | Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay | 2–1 | 2–2 | Friendly | |
| 2. | 4 September 2015 | Polideportivo Cachamay, Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela | 2–0 | 3–0 | ||
| 3. | 15 January 2017 | Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City, Panama | 1–1 | 2–1 | 2017 Copa Centroamericana | |
| 4. | 2–1 | |||||
| 5. | 17 June 2019 | Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica | 2–3 | 2–3 | 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup | |
| 6. | 25 June 2019 | Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, United States | 2–0 | 4–0 | ||
| 7. | 6 June 2024 | Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés, Tegucigalpa, Honduras | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Includes Honduran Cup, Copa MX, Taça de Portugal, Chinese FA Cup, and Copa Colombia
References
[edit]- ^ "Roman Rubilio es el nuevo diamente del Vida" [Roman Rubilio is Vida's newest diamond]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 30 September 2008. Archived from the original on 1 October 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "Olimpia defiende su corona goleando al Savio" [Olimpia defends its crown by beating Savio]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "Platense se hace fuerte en casa y hunde al Savio" [Platense gets strong at home to sink Savio]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "Platense se impuso al Deportes Savio" [Platense beat Deportes Savio]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 12 August 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo deja el Vida y firma con el Motagua" [Rubilio Castillo leaves Vida and signs with Motagua.] (in Spanish). La Prensa. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
- ^ "OFICIAL: Rubilio Castillo firma con el Correcaminos de México" [OFFICIAL: Rubilio Castillo signs with Mexico’s Correcaminos.] (in Spanish). Diario Diez. 4 September 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio y Leverón debutan con derrota en el Correcaminos" [Rubilio y Leverón debut with a loss with Correcaminos]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 18 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo se estrena con un golazo y da triunfo al Correcaminos" [Rubilio Castillo scores a stunning goal in his debut, giving Correcaminos the win.]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 25 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ^ "OFICIAL: Rubilio Castillo regresa al Motagua para el Apertura 2016-17" [OFFICIAL: Rubilio Castillo returns to Motagua for the 2016–17 Apertura]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 31 May 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo marcó su gol número 100 en Liga Nacional con gol para Motagua". ElHeraldo.hn. El Heraldo. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "Motagua y Saprissa acuerdan traspaso por Rubilio Castillo" [Motagua and Saprissa agree on Rubilio Castillo transfer.]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 22 January 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Saprissa logra triunfo importante en debut de Rubilio Castillo" [Saprissa achieves an important victory in Rubilio Castillo’s debut]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 6 February 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubigol reforça ataque do Tondela" [Rubigol strengthens Tondela's attack]. O Jogo (in Portuguese). 26 July 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo tuvo un debut amargo con el Tondela de Portugal" [Rubilio Castillo had a bitter debut with Tondela in Portugal]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 3 August 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo y Jonathan Rubio debutan con Tondela en la Primera División de Portugal" [Rubilio Castillo and Jonathan Rubio make their debut with Tondela in the Portuguese First Division]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 12 August 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo no irá a Venezuela y regresa a Motagua" [Rubilio Castillo will not go to Venezuela and is returning to Motagua]. Diario AS (in Spanish). 31 January 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo será nuevo delantero del Royal Parí de Bolivia" [Rubilio Castillo will be the new striker for Royal Pari in Bolivia] (in Spanish). F.C. Motagua. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo se queda sin equipo tras rescindir su contrato con el CD Tondela de la primera división de Portugal" [Rubilio Castillo is left without a team after terminating his contract with CD Tondela of the Portuguese First Division]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 12 February 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ "Comunicaciones se refuerza con Rubilio Castillo en la delantera" [Comunicaciones strengthens its attack with Rubilio Castillo up front]. ESPN Deportes.com (in Spanish). 24 March 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo provoca penal en su debut triunfal con Comunicaciones en el clásico de Guatemala ante Municipal" [Rubilio Castillo draws a penalty in his triumphant debut with Comunicaciones in the Guatemalan clásico against Municipal]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 3 April 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo anota su primer gol en Guatemala y Comunicaciones salta al subliderato" [Rubilio Castillo scores his first goal in Guatemala and Comunicaciones jumps to second place]. ESPN Deportes.com (in Spanish). 7 April 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Comunicaciones de Guatemala anuncia la salida de Rubilio Castillo" [Guatemalan Communications announces the departure of Rubilio Castillo]. El Heraldo (in Spanish). 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Oficial: Rubilio Castillo es presentado como nuevo jugador del Deportivo Pasto de Colombia" [Official: Rubilio Castillo is presented as the new player for Deportivo Pasto of Colombia]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 29 June 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "¡Duro golpe! El hondureño Rubilio Castillo es descartado por el Deportivo Pasto, la FIFA lo sentencia a pagar una millonaria cantidad a club chino" [Blow! Honduran Rubilio Castillo is discarded by Deportivo Pasto, FIFA sentences him to pay a millionaire amount to Chinese club]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 17 August 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "卢比里奥·卡斯蒂略正式加盟南通支云" (in Chinese). Dongqiudi. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ^ "El hondureño Rubilio Castillo fue presentado por el Nantong Zhiyun de la Primera División de China tras su suspensión" [Honduran Rubilio Castillo was presented by Nantong Zhiyun of the Chinese Premier League after his suspension]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 28 February 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Después de casi un año de espera, Rubilio Castillo debuta oficialmente en China" [After almost a year of waiting, Rubilio Castillo officially debuts in China]. HCH.tv (in Spanish). 17 April 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Como todo un cazador: Así fue el primer gol Rubilio Castillo con el Nantong Zhiyun de la Superliga China (VIDEO)" [Like a true hunter: Here’s how Rubilio Castillo scored his first goal for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League (VIDEO)]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 26 April 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "El Retorno del Rey" [The Return of the King] (in Spanish). F.C. Motagua. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo presentado como nuevo killer del Deportivo Pereira" [Rubilio Castillo presented as Deportivo Pereira’s new killer]. Diario Deportivo Más (in Spanish). 23 January 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo debutó en Colombia: el VAR le anuló su primer gol" [Rubilio Castillo made his debut in Colombia: VAR disallowed his first goal]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 3 February 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Rublio Castillo anota su primer gol con el Deportivo Pereira de Colombia" [Rublio Castillo scores his first goal for Deportivo Pereira in Colombia]. El Heraldo (in Spanish). 19 February 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Caso Rubilio Castillo toma giro inesperado en Colombia y "RoRuCa" regresa a Honduras tras ser borrado por Deportivo Pereira" [Rubilio Castillo case takes unexpected turn in Colombia as "RoRuCa" returns to Honduras after being released by Deportivo Pereira]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 6 August 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo revela el motivo de su fichaje por Marathón, calvario en Colombia, las ofertas y advierte: "Me verán diferente"" [Rubilio Castillo reveals the reason for his signing with Marathón, ordeal in Colombia, the offers, and warns: "They will see a different me"]. Diario Diez (in Spanish). 21 August 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "Rubilio Castillo debuta con espectacular gol de chilena en Marathón" [Rubilio Castillo debuts with a spectacular bicycle kick goal for Marathón]. La Prensa (in Spanish). 27 September 2025. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ^ "R. Castillo". Soccerway. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
- ^ a b Rubilio Castillo at National-Football-Teams.com
External links
[edit]Rubilio Castillo
View on GrokipediaClub career
Early years with Vida (2008–2013)
He joined the senior team of C.D.S. Vida, his hometown club, in 2008 at the age of 16, marking his entry into professional football without prior notable involvement in a formal youth academy.[7] Castillo made his professional debut in the Liga Nacional de Honduras on September 27, 2008, during a match against Hispano F.C. at Estadio Municipal Ceibeño in La Ceiba. He scored Vida's only goal in a 1–1 draw, announcing his arrival as a promising young striker with a clinical finish on his first top-flight appearance.[7] Over the subsequent seasons, he developed rapidly, showcasing his goal-scoring instincts and physical presence as a forward. During a 2012 loan spell to Deportes Savio, he netted five goals in 13 appearances, further honing his skills before returning to Vida.[8] In his formative years with Vida from 2008 to 2013, Castillo appeared in 41 matches and scored 18 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the league's emerging talents.[1] His breakthrough came through consistent performances, including leading the scoring charts in one tournament during his tenure, which highlighted his prolific nature and drew attention from larger clubs. By the end of 2013, these contributions solidified his reputation as a raw but effective goal poacher, paving the way for his transfer to F.C. Motagua ahead of the 2014 Clausura.[7]Rise at Motagua and initial loans (2013–2019)
Castillo transferred to F.C. Motagua from C.D.S. Vida on January 5, 2014, beginning a pivotal phase in his career where he quickly integrated as the team's primary goal-scoring threat.[9] Over his primary tenure with Motagua from 2014 to 2018, he featured in 125 matches across the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional de Honduras, netting 79 goals and solidifying his reputation as a prolific forward.[10] This period marked his transition from a promising talent to a cornerstone player, highlighted by consistent scoring in both Apertura and Clausura tournaments. His standout seasons included multiple top scorer honors in the Liga Nacional, earning the accolade three times: in the 2013/14 Apertura with 12 goals, the 2014/15 Clausura, and the 2017/18 Clausura. These achievements underscored his clinical finishing and importance to Motagua's title challenges, as he often delivered decisive goals in high-stakes matches. A career milestone came on August 12, 2018, when Castillo scored the winner in a 1–0 victory over Real C.D. España, marking his 100th goal in the Liga Nacional and elevating him to Motagua's all-time leading scorer with 77 club goals at that stage. To gain further experience, Castillo was loaned to Mexican Ascenso MX side Correcaminos UAT from September 2015 to June 2016, where he adapted to a more competitive environment by appearing in 20 matches and scoring 7 goals.[11] Upon his return to Motagua, he seamlessly resumed his scoring form, contributing to the team's domestic campaigns. This loan period proved instrumental in broadening his tactical awareness, preparing him for greater responsibilities back home. In the 2018 Scotiabank Concacaf League, Castillo played a leading role in Motagua's run to the final, scoring five goals across the tournament, including a brace in the 4–1 second-leg semifinal win over Portmore United that secured a 5–2 aggregate victory.[12][13] His performances, marked by powerful headers and opportunistic strikes, highlighted his continental impact and earned individual praise for driving the club's deepest run in the competition since 2007.[14]Ventures abroad (2019–2024)
In January 2019, Rubilio Castillo transferred to Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica's Liga FPD, marking his first major move abroad following strong performances in Honduras. Over the course of the 2018–19 season, he featured in 20 matches across league and CONCACAF competitions, netting 7 goals and contributing to the team's continental campaign. This period highlighted his adaptation to the faster-paced CONCACAF style, where he showcased his physical presence and finishing ability against regional opponents.[10] Later that year, in July 2019, Castillo joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side CD Tondela on a €300,000 transfer, aiming to break into European football. However, his stint was markedly brief, limited to just 3 appearances across the league, Taça de Portugal, and Taça da Liga, with no goals scored. Factors such as intense competition for attacking positions and challenges in adjusting to the tactical demands of European play contributed to his minimal involvement, prompting a loan return to Honduran club Motagua by early 2020.[15] In January 2021, Castillo was loaned to Bolivian Primera División outfit Royal Pari, where he found more consistent opportunities. Across the 2021 season, he made 27 appearances and scored 11 goals, demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess in a physically demanding league. Notable performances included a brace in a 6–1 victory over CD San José, underscoring his impact despite occasional off-field tensions, such as a post-match altercation with fans. This spell provided valuable experience in South American football's high-altitude conditions and competitive intensity.[10][16] Shifting to Guatemala in March 2022, Castillo signed with Comunicaciones FC, quickly integrating into the squad during the Clausura tournament. In 15 appearances across the league and playoffs, he scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist, playing a key role in the team's successful campaign that culminated in the national championship win. His contributions, including goals in crucial matches like a 1–1 draw against Malacateco, helped solidify the attack and marked a triumphant, albeit short, chapter abroad.[15][17][18] Castillo's final notable venture abroad came in February 2023, when he joined Chinese Super League club Nantong Zhiyun on a free transfer. During the 2022–23 season, he recorded 25 league appearances with 8 goals, plus 2 cup outings and 1 goal, helping the team avoid relegation. The move required adjustments to a new cultural environment, language barriers, and the league's emphasis on technical play and physical endurance, yet Castillo's aerial ability and clinical finishing proved effective in establishing him as a reliable forward.[15][19]Return to Honduran football (2024–present)
After a stint abroad with Nantong Zhiyun in China, Rubilio Castillo returned to Honduran club football by rejoining FC Motagua on January 4, 2024. During the 2024 season, he featured in 30 matches for Motagua across the Liga Nacional, scoring 14 goals and establishing himself as a central figure in the team's offensive campaigns.[20] His contributions helped Motagua remain competitive in both the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, though the club did not secure major honors that year, prompting his subsequent transfer decision.[21] In January 2025, Castillo moved to Colombian side Deportivo Pereira, where he made 10 league appearances and scored 2 goals, but he returned to the Liga Nacional just seven months later, signing with CD Marathón on August 21, 2025, on a free transfer.[22] As of November 20, 2025, he has made 7 appearances for Marathón in the Apertura phase of the 2025/2026 season, contributing 5 goals.[23] His contract with the club is set to expire on December 31, 2025.[2] Castillo's recent performances have included notable goal contributions, such as his strike in a 3-0 victory over Genesis on October 18, 2025, where he emphasized the team's collective aspirations post-match.[24] As a 33-year-old veteran striker, he has taken on a leadership role within Marathón's squad, drawing on his experience to guide younger players amid occasional disciplinary challenges, like a controversial red card in a match against Platense on November 8, 2025.[25][26] Although Marathón is based in San Pedro Sula, Castillo's status as a prominent Honduran talent from nearby La Ceiba has resonated with fans, boosting local support for the club. This phase of his career has provided stability following inconsistent results abroad, allowing Castillo to leverage his domestic expertise.[1] His estimated market value stood at €150,000 as of late 2025.[1]International career
Debut and national team journey (2015–present)
Rubilio Castillo made his senior debut for the Honduras national team on February 5, 2015, in a 3-1 friendly victory over Venezuela, coming on as a substitute. His early call-ups were bolstered by consistent scoring form at Motagua in the Liga Nacional, where he netted multiple goals in domestic competitions leading into 2015. Over the subsequent years, Castillo established himself as a reliable forward option, accumulating appearances in friendlies and qualifying campaigns while transitioning between starter and substitute roles. Castillo featured prominently in Honduras' CONCACAF Gold Cup participations, appearing in three group stage matches during the 2019 edition and scoring twice, including the second goal in a 4-0 win over El Salvador in the 65th minute. Honduras finished last in Group C and did not advance. In the 2023 Gold Cup, he played two group stage games, contributing an assist on Alberth Elis' injury-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Qatar, though Honduras exited in the group phase after losses to Haiti and Mexico. Beyond scoring, his physical presence as a centre-forward has aided in holding up play and creating opportunities for teammates in these tournaments.[27][28] In World Cup qualifying cycles, Castillo has made six appearances across CONCACAF matches, including starts against teams like Canada and El Salvador during the 2022 cycle, providing depth to the attack without finding the net in those fixtures. His involvement in the CONCACAF Nations League has included four outings in League A, where he provided an assist in a 2024 group stage win over Trinidad and Tobago and offered leadership in set-piece situations during Honduras' promotion-relegation efforts. These contributions have underscored his versatility, with occasional assists and aerial dominance helping stabilize the forward line.[29] As of November 2025, Castillo has earned 36 caps for Honduras, scoring seven international goals, though he has not received a call-up since May 2025 amid competition from younger strikers. At age 33 and in strong form with Marathón—where he has continued to score regularly—his experience positions him for potential future selections in ongoing qualifiers and tournaments.[4]International goals
Rubilio Castillo has scored a total of seven goals for the Honduras national team across 36 caps as of November 2025. His international goals are detailed below in chronological order:| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Minute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 June 2015 | Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción | Paraguay | 1–2 | 2–2 | Friendly | 58' | Equalizer, assisted by Mario Martínez |
| 2 | 4 September 2015 | Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz | Venezuela | 2–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | 74' | Header assisted by Emilio Izaguirre, extended the lead |
| 3 | 15 January 2017 | Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City | El Salvador | 1–1 | 2–1 | UNCAF Nations Cup | 61' | Equalizer after falling behind early[30] |
| 4 | 15 January 2017 | Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City | El Salvador | 2–1 | 2–1 | UNCAF Nations Cup | 90' | Winning goal in stoppage time, a low shot to secure the comeback victory[31] |
| 5 | 17 June 2019 | Independence Park, Kingston | Jamaica | 1–3 | 2–3 | CONCACAF Gold Cup | 90+2' | Consolation header assisted by Emilio Izaguirre, late in a group stage loss[32] |
| 6 | 25 June 2019 | Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale | El Salvador | 1–0 | 4–0 | CONCACAF Gold Cup | 65' | Opened the scoring in a group stage rout[27] |
| 7 | 6 June 2024 | Estadio Francisco Morazán, San Pedro Sula | Cuba | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | 82' | Sealed the win with a right-footed finish assisted by David Ruiz, in the second round opener |
Honours
Club achievements
Rubilio Castillo has contributed to several team titles across his club career in Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, primarily as a key forward for Motagua. His involvement includes scoring crucial goals in championship campaigns, such as leading the scoring in multiple Honduran league finals.[6]With C.D. Motagua
- Liga Nacional Apertura (2014/15): Won the title, appearing in 16 matches and scoring 9 goals during the season.[33]
- Liga Nacional Apertura (2016/17): Secured the championship, with 10 goals in 18 appearances.[33]
- Liga Nacional Clausura (2016/17): Claimed the title in a double-winning season, contributing 7 goals in 17 matches.[33]
- Liga Nacional Apertura (2018/19): Part of the title-winning squad before his mid-season loan, scoring 11 goals in 17 games.[33]
- Liga Nacional Apertura (2024/25): Returned to win the title, featuring in key matches with 8 goals across 17 appearances.[33][2]
- Honduran Super Cup (2017): Triumphed over Marathón, marking Motagua's second Super Cup victory.[34][35]
- CONCACAF League (2018): Reached the final as runners-up, losing to Herediano; Castillo scored 5 goals in 6 matches during the run.
With Comunicaciones F.C.
- Liga Nacional Clausura (2021/22): Ended a nine-year domestic drought for the club, with Castillo scoring 3 goals in 15 appearances en route to the title.[6][36][11]
With Deportivo Saprissa
- Liga FPD Clausura (2018/19): Won the Costa Rican league title during his loan spell, contributing 7 goals in 18 league matches.[2]
