Stephano Carrillo

Stephano Emmanuel Carrillo Calderón (born 7 March 2006) is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liga MX club Santos Laguna.

Club career
Born in Cuencamé, near Gómez Palacio in the Mexican state of Durango, Carrillo joined the academy of Santos Laguna at under-13 level.

International career
Carrillo was called up to Mexico's under-16 squad for the 2022 edition of the Montaigu Tournament, where he scored once against Belgium as Mexico finished in eighth position.

Having represented Mexico's under-17 team since 2021, Carrillo was called up to the squad for the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship. Having scored twice in Mexico's opening 9–0 win against Curaçao, he added to his tally once more in the group stage, as Mexico beat Guatemala 2–0. A double against Nicaragua, followed by goals in Mexico's quarter and semi-final wins against El Salvador and Panama, respectively, saw Carrillo tied with American Keyrol Figueroa for top-scorer in the tournament, with the two meeting in the competition's final. Mexico went on to win the final against the United States 3–1, with Carrillo scoring his nation's first goal, earning him the 'top-scorer' accolade.

Following the tournament, Carrillo scored in a 2–1 friendly loss to the United Arab Emirates as part of Mexico's tour of Dubai. He followed this up with the only goal in a 1–0 against Saudi Arabia, but could not help Mexico overcome the Netherlands, as the Dutch won 4–1.

Style of play
A tall, strong forward, Carrillo earned comparisons to fellow Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez, with Santos Laguna youth coach Guillermo Hernández (footballer, born 1959) stating that the two have similar technique. Hernández also compared his work-rate to that of former Real Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sánchez, and said of Carrillo: "he always asks for advice on what to do, he is a very hard-working boy and in that, he is an exemplary boy."

Personal life
Carrillo is a fan of Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, and after receiving advice from his father that he should celebrate his goals in a memorable way, he adopted Spider-Man's "web shooting" action, touching his middle and ring fingers to his palm.

Honours
Individual
 * CONCACAF Under-17 Championship Golden Boot: 2023
 * CONCACAF Under-17 Championship Best XI: 2023