Essentials With NYCFC's Valentin Castellanos Featuring His Olympic Jersey And Medals

Valentin Castellanos, an Argentinean soccer player and New York City FC wing/forward, carries his life’s most precious moments with him. The versatile Castellanos can take players one-v-one at any time but he also navigates the entire field and gets the job done as showcased by his team-leading six goals scored, just a season ago. Castellanos spent the 12 months prior to joining NYCFC on loan from Universidad de Chile at CA Torque in Uruguay, helping the team win promotion to that country’s top division and being named the Primera Division Player of the Month. Since coming to MLS though, he has 18 goals and 10 assists in 60 games and has helped New York City FC make three straight trips to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Competing at the highest level so far away from home isn’t the easiest for Castellanos and that’s why he carries photographs of his family to remember them. Most of the photos are from when he was younger, some with his grandma and some with his brother; family that has made profound impact in Castellanos’ life and motivate him while he’s out on the field. Castellanos also has the game-ball from his debut game with NYCFC, where he scored his first goal, a recognition he received from the management team and is signed by all his teammates.

Castellanos carries the jersey from the Argentina National Team with him always. It’s from the first Pre-Olympic tournament in Colombia where the team was crowned champions. He also travels with the medal from the Pre-Olympic Tournament as well. Castellanos explains how much pride he has in playing for his home country’s team and how he’ll always remember that time fondly because it brings many memories back from when he was younger and dreamed of playing for the national team so to actually bring home a championship meant all the difference for him.

Finally, the last essential for Castellanos is his “Mate” tea, which he always carries with him as well. The drink is better known in Argentina, Uruguay and other South American Countries, as a morning drink that can also be enjoyed in the afternoon as if it was tea or coffee. Castellanos says the tasty drink hydrates you but can also be consumed casually with friends and family at get-togethers. “Mate” tea is a staple in Argentina but more importantly, incredibly fundamental to Castellano’s everyday way-of-life.

The 2021-22 NYCFC Primary Kit, aka the Bronx Blue Kit, pays homage to the club’s beginnings with the inaugural adidas season home kit, which is the most lightweight soccer kit of all-time. Cut with retro white bands, a crisp adidas emblem on the right chest and classic adidas stripes, the jerseys maintain remnants of the past while giving the new generation of fans something to be excited about. The uniforms feature detailing that comes in the form of the club’s original badge, designed to replicate the old NYC Subway Token, while the vertical stripe is a nod to all of the City’s essential workers and of course, the classic white collar remains. Castellanos has high expectations for the team as well as for himself. With a strong group, knowledgeable management and stellar teammates, the sky may just be the limit for Castellanos and New York City FC this season.

Check out Valentin Castellanos’ soccer essentials in the images and gifs above that he showcased at the team’s training facility for HYPEBEAST. Then peep the all-new 2021-22 NYCFC Bronx Blue Kit below and head to the team’s website to learn more about NYCFC apparel and where you can purchase it.