Luís Castro Transforms Levante Through Commitment to Youth Talent

Luís Castro has transformed the Levante squad by implementing a meritocratic philosophy that prioritizes youth development over seniority. Since his appointment in December 2025, the Portuguese manager has established a clear operational rule: when a 19-year-old and a 29-year-old perform at an equal level, the younger player earns the starting position.

The Arrival at Buñol

Levante officially announced the appointment of Luís Castro on December 20, 2025. At the time, the club sat at the bottom of the Primera División standings with only 10 points from 17 matches. The coaching change followed Castro’s tenure at the French club USL Dunkerque, where he had gained recognition for a competitive run in the Coupe de France, including a performance against Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain.

Upon his arrival at the Ciudad Deportiva de Buñol, Castro addressed the skepticism surrounding his appointment. He made his tactical intentions clear immediately, emphasizing that he does not fear utilizing young talent if they demonstrate the necessary quality. The strategy quickly moved beyond rhetoric; Castro integrated 20-year-old striker Carlos Espí into the starting lineup. Espí responded with 11 goals, contributing significantly to the team’s survival in the top flight and ultimately facilitating a €25 million transfer.

Establishing a Pipeline of Youth

The commitment to youth at Levante under Castro is not limited to the reserve squad. In the season opener against Espanyol, the manager handed a debut to Marc Santos, a 15-year-old left-back. The selection made Santos one of the youngest players ever to appear in the competition. The integration process continues further down the ranks, with 14-year-old right-back Diego Moyano now training in the first-team dynamic.

Club sources indicate that the inclusion of players like Moyano came at the recommendation of the academy director, as injury or availability issues limited options within the filial and youth teams. Castro reportedly accepted the suggestion without hesitation, demonstrating a willingness to rely on the club’s internal structure regardless of age.

A Background in Education

Castro’s approach to management is rooted in his experience as a teacher rather than a professional player. He began his career working with five-year-olds before progressing through age-group coaching. At age 30, he relocated to Saudi Arabia to manage the Al Nassr U-15 side. His subsequent career included roles at Vitória de Guimarães, where he served as both coach and coordinator, and later at Benfica.

During his time with the Portuguese giants, Castro oversaw the development of players such as João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos. He also led Benfica to two UEFA Youth League finals, suffering a defeat against Raúl González’s Real Madrid Castilla in 2020 before securing a 6-0 victory over RB Salzburgo in 2022.

Tactical Outlook and Philosophy

While Castro has previously cited José Mourinho as a major influence, he identifies his current tactical style as more aligned with that of Paulo Fonseca, the current Lyon manager. The Levante squad under his direction is characterized by an offensive focus and a refusal to speculate on results. Castro has maintained that his primary objective is for his players to find enjoyment in the game, a sentiment he frequently expressed during his time in the French second division.

The manager, who has candidly admitted that his serious demeanor can sometimes be perceived as unfriendly, remains focused on the long-term development of his current project. He has stated that his career path has required significant personal sacrifices, noting that he does not require a Champions League platform to find professional fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Luís Castro reach the Primera División?
After a career coaching youth and reserve teams in Portugal and Saudi Arabia, Castro moved to the French second division with USL Dunkerque. His performance there, which included a strong run in the French Cup, caught the attention of Levante, who hired him in December 2025 to address their relegation concerns.

Which young players have been notable under Castro’s tenure?
Carlos Espí was the most prominent success, scoring 11 goals and securing a €25 million transfer. Additionally, 15-year-old Marc Santos made his league debut against Espanyol, and 14-year-old Diego Moyano has been incorporated into the first-team training sessions.

What is the core of Castro’s coaching philosophy?
Castro prioritizes meritocracy regardless of age. He maintains a specific rule that if a younger player and an older player are at the same level, the younger player is selected. His tactical approach focuses on attacking play and ensuring the team maintains an aggressive stance toward the opponent’s goal.