Francisco Calvo

  • Years with club: 2017–2019
  • Position: Centre-back / Left-back / Defender
  • Nationality: Costa Rican

Francisco Calvo joined Minnesota United FC on December 27, 2016, as one of the key initial signings for the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2017. A versatile defender, Calvo primarily played as a centre-back or left-back and quickly established himself as a leader and a threat on set pieces. He served as the club’s captain and became the first Minnesota United player to be named an MLS All-Star. He was traded to the Chicago Fire in May 2019.

Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS):

  • MLS regular season appearances: 60
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 4
  • Acquisition: Signed December 27, 2016, from Deportivo Saprissa.
  • Departure: Traded to Chicago Fire on May 3, 2019.

Memorable moments:

  • Club captaincy: He was a key leader and captain during the club’s first two-and-a-half seasons in MLS.
  • MLS All-Star: In 2018, he was selected as an MLS All-Star, becoming the first player in Minnesota United’s MLS history to receive the honor.
  • Goalscorer: He was known for scoring goals from set pieces. In his first season, he scored two goals, including one against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and a headed goal against San Jose Earthquakes.
  • International career: He has made over 100 appearances for the Costa Rica national team and featured in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Where is he now?:

  • After leaving Minnesota United, Calvo played for Chicago Fire (2019–2021) and the San Jose Earthquakes (2022) in MLS, before moving to the Turkish Süper Lig with Konyaspor (2022–2023).
  • He also played for Juárez in Liga MX (2024) and Hatayspor in the Süper Lig (2024–2025).
  • He currently plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, where he is under contract until June 2026.
  • He is also the captain of the Costa Rica national team.