Franco Escobar: Career Journey of the Argentine Right-Back
Franco Nicolás Escobar is a seasoned Argentine professional footballer known for his versatility and tenacity on the right flank. Born on February 21, 1995, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, Escobar has carved out a significant career spanning both the Argentine Primera División and Major League Soccer (MLS). Primarily operating as a right-back—a defensive position focused on guarding the right side of the field and supporting attacks—he has become a reliable asset for several high-profile clubs.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Franco Nicolás Escobar
- Date of Birth: February 21, 1995
- Primary Position: Right-back
- Major Honors: Two-time MLS Cup winner (2018, 2022)
- Current Club: Newell's Old Boys
- Nationality: Argentine
Early Career at Newell's Old Boys
Escobar's professional journey began in the youth academy of Newell's Old Boys. He made his first-team debut on June 7, 2015, starting in a match against Boca Juniors. During his initial tenure, he demonstrated flexibility by playing as both a right-back and a center-back. Between 2015 and 2018, he made 34 league appearances for the club before attracting international interest.
Success in Major League Soccer
The Atlanta United Era
On December 8, 2017, Escobar signed with Atlanta United. His debut came on March 3, 2018, where he played a full 90 minutes. Despite facing early setbacks, including a concussion and a chest injury, Escobar became a pivotal part of Atlanta's success. He scored his first goal for the club on October 21, 2018, and played every minute of the five playoff games that season, helping Atlanta secure the 2018 MLS Cup. His performances earned him a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs Best XI.
The 2019 season was marked by a fractured right clavicle during preseason, which sidelined him for several weeks. However, he returned to contribute a goal and three assists in the regular season and scored the decisive goal in a playoff win over the New England Revolution. By 2020, Escobar had obtained a green card, allowing him to be classified as a domestic player for roster purposes.
Stints with LAFC and Houston Dynamo
In December 2021, Escobar was traded to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) for $600,000 in General Allocation Money. Despite battling calf injuries and concussions, he contributed to LAFC's highly successful 2022 campaign, which included winning the Supporters' Shield and the 2022 MLS Cup.
Following the expiration of his contract, Escobar joined the Houston Dynamo on January 12, 2023. During his time in Houston, he was part of the squad that captured the U.S. Open Cup in 2023.
Return to South America
After his tenure in the United States, Escobar moved to Peñarol on January 1, 2026, signing a one-year contract. Following his time in Uruguay, he returned to his roots, re-joining Newell's Old Boys in 2026.
Career Summary Table
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newell's Old Boys | 2015–2017 | 34 | 0 |
| Atlanta United | 2018–2021 | 63 | 2 |
| Los Angeles FC | 2022 | 19 | 1 |
| Houston Dynamo | 2023–2025 | 75 | 6 |
| Peñarol | 2026 | 14 | 0 |
| Newell's Old Boys | 2026–Present | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Franco Escobar play?
Franco Escobar primarily plays as a right-back, though he has experience playing as a center-back earlier in his career.
Which trophies has Franco Escobar won in the MLS?
He has won the MLS Cup twice (2018 with Atlanta United and 2022 with LAFC), the U.S. Open Cup (2019 with Atlanta and 2023 with Houston Dynamo), the Campeones Cup (2019), and the Supporters' Shield (2022).
How did the green card affect his status in the MLS?
Obtaining a green card in 2020 allowed Escobar to be classified as a domestic player, meaning he no longer occupied one of the limited international roster spots.
Where did Franco Escobar start his professional career?
He began his career in the youth academy of the Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, making his first-team debut in 2015.