Let me start by saying this: I’m not a soccer player. Not even a lifelong fan. But somehow—somewhere between the black-and-white scarves and the roar of a packed stadium—I became a believer. A believer in Castellón Club de Fútbol.
For those unfamiliar, CD Castellón is the heart and soul of this Mediterranean city. They’ve historically played in Spain’s third division, a far cry from giants like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid in La Liga (that’s the first division for us rookies). But here’s the beauty of Spanish football: there’s room to rise. Teams can move up—and down—based on performance, which makes every game, every goal, and every call from the ref matter.
And last season? Castellón soared. They earned promotion to the second division, sending shockwaves of excitement through the city. Locals cheered, flags waved, and fans began dreaming bigger than ever.
The story gets even more interesting. Enter Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris, a Canadian-Greek entrepreneur and former data guru for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. He saw potential in this team—and the town—and bought the club. Since then, Bob has been all-in. Stadium upgrades, new facilities, and a training complex in nearby Borriol with eight fields.
But this isn’t just about shiny new infrastructure. It’s about people. The team is now a global mosaic, with players from the U.S., Mali, Brazil, the Netherlands, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The head coach? Also Dutch.
Bob himself said he was drawn to Castellón because of its fiercely loyal fanbase. He’s not wrong. The stadium is packed game after game, with fans living and breathing every moment. It’s a feeling—a pulse—you can only understand when you’re in the stands, scarf on, heart pounding.
And guess what? Even CD Castellón B, the club’s second team, is on the rise—they’ve just been promoted too. Double the reason to celebrate.
So, is it possible for CD Castellón to make it all the way to Spain’s first division? With a little talent, a lot of heart—and okay, a bit of Bob’s money—anything is possible. And if (or when) that day comes, this underdog city will finally get its moment on the global stage. Something its fans can only dream of.
Until then, come feel the energy. Grab a black-and-white scarf. Cheer with the locals. And fall in love with a team that’s giving Castellón more than just goals—it’s giving it hope, pride, and a really good reason to dream big.
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