Stéphano Carrillo is an 18-year-old Mexican center forward already playing for the U20 national team and getting starts for Santos Laguna. The teenager is yet to make a huge mark in senior football but has dominated both domestic and CONCACAF youth football over the past few seasons. Carrillo has hit a bit of a goal drought, though, not scoring in Liga MX since last season and his last U20 goal came in the final group stage match of his CONCACAF Championship run.
Carrillo stands at an average height for a striker (1.84 m) but possesses a broad, stocky frame that makes him a physical presence on the pitch. Despite his strength, he struggles at times in aerial duels, often outjumped by taller defenders. His ability to use his body to shield the ball is evident, yet his leaping ability could improve to enhance his effectiveness in the air. Carrillo’s physicality helps him in hold-up play, though he still needs to develop greater resistance to contact, particularly when receiving under pressure. His mobility is somewhat limited, as he lacks the acceleration and top-end pace to consistently stretch defenses with runs in behind. Overall, Carrillo’s physical maturity for his age leads to dominance in youth football but has led to some shortcomings as a senior footballer. Adapting to an environment where the strength matches his own and has a much faster game speed has proven to be a challenge for him.
Carrillo is an active and willing runner, constantly looking to position himself between defenders for through balls. His movement is intelligent, especially when timing his runs in transition or adjusting to teammates’ positioning. However, his lack of pace limits his ability to capitalize on these runs, often allowing defenders to recover before he can fully break away. Carrillo’s hold-up play is solid but inconsistent. He frequently shows short to receive between the lines, using his body to shield defenders and lay off passes to teammates. His ability to link play is notable, particularly in quick combination plays. However, his first touch under pressure remains an area of concern—his heavy touches often lead to possession loss or rushed decisions on ball, making him less effective in tight spaces. When receiving aerial passes, Carrillo occasionally displays good control but lapses in awareness and positioning can hinder his ability to fully secure possession. In the final third, Carrillo has promising attacking instincts. He positions himself well for crosses and cutbacks, often making intelligent adjustments to his runs to create scoring opportunities. However, his finishing remains inconsistent. While he attempts ambitious efforts, such as a bicycle kick in the box, his shot execution lacks precision. He has the instincts of a poacher but must refine his composure and decision-making to become a more reliable goal scorer.
Carrillo has flashes of playmaking ability, particularly when holding up the ball and distributing to advancing teammates. His short passing is generally accurate, and he looks to combine in tight spaces when showing between the lines. When drifting into wide areas, he attempts to deliver crosses and outside-the-boot passes, but the weight and accuracy of these attempts are inconsistent. His decision-making under pressure is a key area for development. When receiving in and around the box, Carrillo sometimes hesitates on his decision to turn for a shoot or play a back pass, resulting in lost opportunities. While he has the vision to make productive passes, refining his execution will be crucial to his growth as a link-up forward.
Carrillo’s work rate in the press is a notable strength. He consistently looks to close space and force rushed passes rather than immediately engaging in challenges. His pressing presence contributes to turnovers, helping his team to regain possession in advanced areas. However, his pressing lacks aggression at times, and he is more effective at cutting off passing lanes than winning duels.
With rumors of interest from Feyenoord, Carrillo may have another considerable jump in competition standard on the horizon. His senior ready physicality and intelligent off ball movement draw direct comparisons to his potential predecessor, fellow Mexican Santiago Gimenez who has just transferred to AC Milan. Due to the similarities, Carrillo seems to be a perfect replacement on first glance. For this to be true in 2026, Feyenoord must apply the same focuses to his training they afforded Gimenez to mold him into the striking profile they need. A physical, 2006-born forward with some on- and off-ball creativity is certainly desirable to make that happen, but it is still a gamble.
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