Jens Castrop

Jens Castrop (; born 29 July 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or wing-back for club Borussia Mönchengladbach. Born in Germany, he plays for the South Korea national team.

Club career A native of Düsseldorf, Castrop began his career in the youth academy of Fortuna Düsseldorf. In 2015, he transferred to the academy of Düsseldorf's rival, 1. FC Köln, where he played for the club's under-15 and under-17 teams. In August 2020, Castrop was promoted to the club's first team by manager Markus Gisdol. He also signed a long-term professional contract until June 2023.

In January 2022, it was announced that Castrop would join 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg on a loan deal. In June 2023, the club activated a €450,000 option to sign Castrop on a permanent basis. At Nürnberg, he was deployed on the right flank of midfield or defensive line during the 2022–23 season, moved to central midfield the next season, and performed the role of left attacking midfielder in 2025.

On 2 February 2025, Castrop signed a four-season contract with Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, beginning in the 2025–26 season. On 27 September, he scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 6–4 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt. Borussia had a hard time without a win at the bottom of the league early in the season, but he was named the club's Player of the Month for September. On 25 October, he received his first red card at the Bundesliga after tackling Luis Díaz in a 3–0 loss to Bayern Munich. On 21 March 2026, he scored two goals while playing as a left wing-back in a 3–3 draw with 1. FC Köln.

International career Castrop was born in Germany to a German father and South Korean mother. He played for Germany national youth teams at between under-16 and under-21 level before being affiliated to Korea Football Association. His request to switch international allegiance to South Korea was approved by FIFA on 11 August 2025, and he was called up to the South Korea national team for friendlies held in September. On 6 September, he came on as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2–0 win over the United States, making his senior international debut.

Castrop was called up to the South Korea squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He played 45 minutes in a 1–0 defeat to South Africa, making his FIFA World Cup debut.

Career statistics Club

International