Mohammad Mustafa Castillo Amini, known as Mustafa Amini, (Dari: محمد مصطفی کاستیلو امینی, born 20 April 1993) is an Australian professional footballer who plays for Perth Glory and the Australian national team.
Born in Sydney, Amini played youth football with the Australian Institute of Sport before starting his professional career with Central Coast Mariners in the A-League. In 2011, Amini signed for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. After playing only for their second team, he transferred in 2015 to Randers FC.
Amini has appeared numerous times for the Australian U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams. He took part in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Early life
Born in Sydney, Australia to an Afghan father and a Nicaraguan mother, Amini grew up in the Western Sydney area. He attended Wentworthville Public School and Westfields Sports High School until moving to Lake Ginninderra College in the ACT while playing for the AIS, earning his Year 12 certificate in March 2010.
Amini wears a distinctive 'afro' haircut and is fluent in Dari and Spanish.
Playing career
Club career
Central Coast Mariners
Amini played for Blacktown City before being signed to an AIS scholarship. He was signed by the Central Coast Mariners on a two-year contract in the A-League. Amini made his debut for the senior team in a friendly against fellow Gosford club Central Coast Lightning which the Mariners won 7–1. Amini made his official A-League debut for the Mariners in a match against Brisbane Roar on 20 October 2010. His first goal came in a 3–1 away win against Gold Coast United on 9 February 2011.
Amini's excellent form throughout the 2010–11 A-League season attracted major interest from overseas clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Subsequently it was announced that Amini was to spend two weeks on trial with Borussia Dortmund in preparation for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in July with a view of signing a long term deal with the Bundesliga club. Only days into his trial Borussia Dortmund publicly announced that the youngster had caught the eye of first team manager Jürgen Klopp stating that "he can definitely play football and is a really great talent."
Borussia Dortmund
On 4 July 2011, it was announced that he had signed with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract. However, Amini would initially be loaned to Central Coast Mariners until 31 May 2012, making him eligible to play for the club during the 2011–12 A-League season as well as the group stage of the Asian Champions League. He played outstandingly well as Central Coast marched to the quarter-finals.
On 11 July 2012, Amini made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in a friendly against SV Meppen, scoring a goal in the 63rd minute en route a 2–1 victory for Dortmund. Amini scored his first goal for the second team in a game against MSV Duisburg on matchday 7 of the 2013–14 3. Liga season.
In March 2015, Amini announced, that he would leave the club when his contract expired in June, after playing there for three years.
Randers FC
Amini signed a three-year deal with Danish Superliga club Randers FC in June 2015. He scored the opening goal in the club's 3–0 UEFA Europa League qualifying second leg win over Sant Julià.
AGF
In June 2016, Amini moved to Superliga side AGF on a four-year deal. Amini enjoyed a good debut for AGF, with a goal and an assist in a 2–1 win away at SønderjyskE in the Superliga on 17 July 2016.
Cyprus
In June 2021, Amini joined Cypriot First Division side Apollon Limassol on a two-year deal. In September 2021, Amini was loaned out to fellow First Division club PAEEK. In December 2021, he mutually terminated his contract with Apollon Limassol and left both Cypriot clubs.
Sydney FC
On 24 December 2021, Amini signed a six-month deal with A-League Men club Sydney FC as an injury replacement for Luke Brattan.
Perth Glory
On 10 June 2022, Amini signed a three-year deal with A-League Men club Perth Glory. Amini was announced just hours after the club released a statement advising members and fans that former Glory skipper, Brandon O'Neill had his request granted for an early release from his deal.
Amini was named Perth Glory team captain on 6 October 2022 ahead of the 2022–23 A-League Men season.