When Rafael Castillo first arrived in San Antonio in 2014, his teammates saw a 5-foot-6 bald, weathered Colombian with his left arm covered in tattoos.

“Some of the guys were afraid of me,” Castillo said. “I still remember my first practice with the Scorpions. They saw me, they saw my tattoos, and they were intimidated.”

It didn’t take long for his teammates and the city of San Antonio to see that there was more to Rafa. Past the exterior of a “Breaking Bad” extra, there was a veteran, a natural leader, a family man and a teacher.

Rafa immediately took on a leadership role after joining the Scorpions midway through the season, leading the team to the 2014 NASL Championship and becoming a fan favorite.

Castillo scored what might be the greatest goal in San Antonio pro soccer history, a bicycle kick in the NASL Final that helped the Scorpions win the title. He became a team leader and had the love of San Antonio fans.

Rafa is 35 now, and onto the next stage of his career. To his delight, he’s staying at home in San Antonio.

Castillo is the oldest player on San Antonio FC by seven years, with Josh Ford next at 28. Castillo has embraced the leadership role that comes with experience, becoming a vocal leader for the young lineup.

“It’s an obligation to me to grow soccer in San Antonio,” Castillo said. “It’s a responsibility to me to help the team and the city enjoy the best soccer we can offer.”

Fans have gravitated to Castillo’s fiery energy and on-field passion. Rafa called it an honor to be part of the inaugural SAFC roster, giving him a chance to further his stamp on San Antonio soccer.

Castillo grew up in Pereira, Columbia, in the 1990s, when his hometown was often near the top of “World’s Most Dangerous Cities” lists during the height of drug wars in the country.

He spent 12 years playing pro soccer in Colombia, earning nine caps with the national team. Aside from one season of pro soccer in Egypt, Castillo’s arrival in San Antonio was his first extended time outside of Columbia.

He’s since made San Antonio home, moving his wife and two children to town.

“The people of San Antonio opened their doors and welcomed me here, and the least I can do is give my all back to them,” Castillo said. “I feel like I owe this city. I want to be a role model. I want to raise my family here, if God permits it.”

He reeled off a list of characteristics he hope to impart with his play:

Ethics. Professionalism. Maturity. Respect. And above all, loyalty and honesty.

Rafa said he hopes to be involved in SAFC’s developmental program when it begins later this year.

He’s currently busy with the development of his SAFC teammates.

“There’s no substitute to leadership and experience,” SAFC coach Darren Powell said. “Rafa has been in all the situations and he can relate them to these young players. He’s a guy who has played the game at the highest level for as long as some of these guys have been around, and he’s a great example for young players.”