Israel Castro

Israel Castro Macías (born 20 December 1980) is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Club career

Pumas UNAM He joined the Pumas youth system and worked his way through the ranks to debut in 2002; he was a regular starter and played a very important role in the 2004 campaign of the team, when Pumas won consecutive league championships. Fans also call him the "Asesino de galácticos" or "Galactic Assassin". Since he was the lone scorer in the game when Pumas defeated Real Madrid for the Santiago Bernabeu trophy in 2004. After becoming champion with Pumas Unam he was drafted by Cruz Azul. He left the team as a captain.

Honours UNAM Mexico Primera División: Clausura 2004, Apertura 2004, Clausura 2009, Clausura 2011 Campeón de Campeones: 2004

Cruz Azul Copa MX: Clausura 2013

Guadalajara Copa MX: Apertura 2015

Mexico CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2009, 2011

Individual Primera División de México Best Defensive Midfielder :Clausura 2011

Career statistics International

National team Year Apps GoalsMexico 2007 9 0 2008 2 0 2009 13 1 2010 8 0 2011 15 0 2012 1 0 Total 48 1

International goals Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first. Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 12 August 2009 Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico 1–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification