Transfer Tracker

Chicago Fire FC exercise 2021 contract option on captain Francisco Calvo

Derek Etienne Jr. - Francisco Calvo - Dueling

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension


Chicago Fire FC have exercised the 2021 contract option on defender Francisco Calvo, the club announced Friday. Calvo is the club's captain. 


Calvo, 28, arrived in Chicago during the 2019 season via a trade from Minnesota United and has a constant in the team. He has appeared in 37 of the 39 matches Chicago have played since his arrival.


ā€œFrancisco has been a very important leader in our locker room,ā€ sporting director Georg Heitz said in a statement. ā€œHe truly cares about his teammates and always represents this Club with a tremendous amount of pride. We look forward to having him return as a key part of our squad in 2021.ā€


A Costa Rican international with 50 caps, Calvo originally came to MLS in 2017 with Minnesota. He made 70 appearances with the club over two seasons and change after spending the first part of his career in his native Costa Rica, including stints with Herediano and Saprissa. 


Calvo has started all 14 games for Chicago this season under head coach Raphael Wicky as the club continue their Audi MLS Cup Playoff chase. They're currently holding onto the final playoff place in the Eastern Conference, with 15 points. They have nine games remaining in their regular season schedule.