Santiago Castaneda could hardly have chosen a more appropriate moment to score his first league goal for SC Paderborn. The 21-year-old American opened the scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over TSG Hoffenheim, breaking a Bundesliga scoring drought for the newly promoted East Westphalians that stretched all the way back to June 27, 2020.
Former Paderborn striker Sven Michel had scored the club’s previous top-flight goal in a 3-2 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt more than six years ago. Three goalless matches accompanied Paderborn’s return to the Bundesliga this season before Castaneda finally broke through in the 29th minute of Sunday’s fixture.
The goal itself required a healthy slice of fortune. After Leon Avdullahu conceded a corner and Hoffenheim twice failed to clear properly, Castaneda collected the loose ball and shot with his weaker left foot. The effort took a significant deflection off Avdullahu before beating Oliver Baumann.
Castaneda embodies Paderborn’s learning curve
SCP07 head coach Ralf Kettemann immediately drew a direct line between Castaneda’s goal and an opportunity the American had passed up one week earlier during Paderborn’s 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
“Last week, in the 80th minute, he had the ball on his left foot 16 meters from goal and didn’t shoot,” Kettemann explained at the post-match press conference. “We talked about that. This time he shoots, the ball gets deflected and it’s a goal. That’s what it’s all about for me. This time he shot, even if it wasn’t a great shot. I’m most grateful to Santi for that. He’s a winner.”
“I thought he was very strong again and he’s undergone an incredible development,” Kettemann continued. “[He’s developed into] a kind of anchor [for the team]. He contests plenty of ground and aerial duels. He’s very secure on the ball and incredibly smart.”
Castaneda joined Paderborn from MSV Duisburg in 2024 and established himself as a regular defensive midfielder during last season’s promotion campaign. After Get German Football News selected him as a definite “winner” from Paderborn’s summer 2026 camp, Castaneda’s place has remained secure following the step up to the Bundesliga.
Castaneda comments on his crucial goal
The Hoffenheim victory provided Paderborn with far more than their first three points of the Bundesliga campaign. After collecting only one point and failing to score in their opening three matches, the promoted side produced three goals against a Europa League participant. Castaneda believes the performance reflected lessons absorbed during the difficult opening weeks.
“We’ve learned a lot and showed what we’re capable of,” Castaneda — as quoted by Kicker — remarked after the match. “Now we can use the break to keep working on our chemistry. Everything is a little more relaxed with these three points. The hunger and passion of the lads were decisive today.”
“For me personally, this first goal is good for me on my journey,” Castaneda continued. “I learn every day, try to avoid mistakes and remain positive.”
Goals have not traditionally formed a major part of his game. In over two years with Paderborn, Castaneda had previously scored only twice in competitive action. Both came in DFB-Pokal first-round matches: against Bremer SV in 2024 and Phönix Lübeck earlier this season. Sunday therefore yielded his first league goal for the club.
Castenda retains Senior USMNT ambitions
Castaneda’s development has also inevitably raised the question of what might come next internationally. The Florida-raised midfielder, who has Colombian roots and has represented the United States at U23 level, recently extended his Paderborn contract on a longer-term basis. A senior call from USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino would represent another significant step. Castaneda is content to allow that possibility to develop naturally.
“I’m focused on myself and looking at what I can do and show,” he said. “Sooner or later, I hope I’ll get a call.”
He will nevertheless be heading back to the United States during the upcoming international break. Paderborn depart Friday for a week-long marketing trip to Washington D.C., giving Castaneda the opportunity to return to his home country. His family lives in Florida and he has not been back for some time. Already developing into something of an on-field leader for Paderborn, Castaneda will assume another role once the squad reaches the United States: tour guide.
“My family lives only a two-hour flight from Washington D.C.,” Castaneda said. “It’s been a long time since I was there. I’ll be able to show the lads a few things.”
