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Francisco CalvoCosta Rican footballer, central defender
Date of Birth: 08.07.1992
Country:  Costa Rica |
Content:
- Early Life and Club Career
- European Adventure
- Return to Costa Rica and Abroad
- MLS and Minnesota United
- International Career
Early Life and Club Career
Francisco Calvo is a Costa Rican professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Minnesota United FC in the MLS and the Costa Rican national team. He began his football journey with the academy of Saprissa in his home country. In 2010, he pursued his education in the United States, where he played for a college team.
Upon returning to Costa Rica in 2011, Calvo signed with Herediano. He made his debut on September 18 against San Carlos and scored his first goal for the club on October 24 against Belén. After a successful season, he moved to Pérez Zeledón. His debut came on July 25, 2012, against former club Saprissa, and he scored his first goal for his new team on September 2 against San Carlos.
European Adventure
In the winter of 2013, Calvo joined Danish side Nordsjælland. He made his debut in the Danish Superliga on April 4 against AaB, but after only three appearances, he returned to Herediano.
Return to Costa Rica and Abroad
During his second stint with Herediano, Calvo made his debut on August 26 against Santos de Guápiles and scored his first goal since his return on January 12, 2014, against Uruguay. In early 2015, he was loaned to Santos de Guápiles, where he made his debut on January 18 against Alajuelense and scored his first goal for the club.
Summer 2015 brought a transfer to Saprissa, and Calvo made his debut on August 2 against Belén. In his first season, he helped the club clinch the championship.
MLS and Minnesota United
On December 27, 2016, Calvo made the move to MLS club Minnesota United. He made his debut on March 3, 2017, against Portland Timbers.
International Career
Calvo's international debut came for the Costa Rican national team on May 29, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria. He represented the country at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Throughout his career, Calvo has played in the 2013, 2015, and 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cups, winning silver in 2013 and bronze in 2017. He has also appeared in two Copa América tournaments.
