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Ze CastroPortuguese footballer, defender for Rayo Vallecano.
Date of Birth: 13.01.1983
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- José Manuel Alves Casaca - A Portuguese Defender
- Transfer to Atlético Madrid and Loan to Deportivo La Coruña
- International Career
- Senior Debut for Portugal
- Current Club: Rayo Vallecano
José Manuel Alves Casaca - A Portuguese Defender
Early Career at AcadémicaJosé Manuel Alves Casaca, commonly known as Zé Castro, emerged from the youth academy of Académica de Coimbra in Portugal. On October 3, 2004, he made his senior debut for the club. Over two seasons, Zé Castro played 54 games, scored once, and occasionally served as the team's captain.
Transfer to Atlético Madrid and Loan to Deportivo La Coruña
In the summer of 2006, Zé Castro signed with Atlético Madrid. He made 22 appearances and scored twice in his first season but lost his starting position in the subsequent season. In 2008, he was loaned to Deportivo La Coruña, which later signed him permanently for €2 million the following year.
International Career
Zé Castro represented Portugal's under-21 national team 15 times and scored a goal. He participated in three matches at the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, including one in which he scored an own goal against Serbia.
Senior Debut for Portugal
On June 10, 2009, Zé Castro made his debut for the Portuguese senior national team in a friendly against Estonia. This match marked his only appearance for the national side.
Current Club: Rayo Vallecano
Zé Castro currently plays as a defender for Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish La Liga. He has been with the club since 2022.
