Leo Franco

Футболист

▸ Источник: Wikidata

ИИ

Leo Franco is an Argentine former professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper.

Franco won the Copa del Rey with Mallorca in the 2002–03 season.

He was part of the Argentina under-20 team that won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

На основе: Wikidata, Wikipedia

Биография

Early Life

Leonardo "Leo" Neoren Franco was born in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. He began his football journey at a young age, eventually making his professional debut as a goalkeeper for Club Atlético Independiente at the age of 20.

Club Career

Franco's career took a significant turn when he moved to Spain to join CP Mérida, although he did not make an appearance in La Liga due to competition from Carlos Navarro Montoya. He soon joined RCD Mallorca, where he initially played for the reserves but quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. During his time at Mallorca, he played a crucial role in the team's success, helping them secure a Copa del Rey title in 2003 and achieving a remarkable third-place finish in La Liga, which qualified them for the UEFA Champions League in the 2000–01 season.

In 2004, Franco signed with Atlético Madrid, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper and made a name for himself by saving several penalties. After five seasons with Atlético, he moved to Galatasaray S.K. in Turkey in 2009, continuing his career in the Süper Lig. Franco also played for several other clubs, including Real Zaragoza, San Lorenzo de Almagro, and Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, before retiring from professional football.

International Career

On the international stage, Franco represented Argentina at various levels. He was part of the under-20 team that won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia. He made his senior debut in 2004 and was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he played in the quarter-finals against Germany after replacing the injured Roberto Abbondanzieri. Despite the team's loss in a penalty shootout, Franco's selection highlighted his skills and contributions to Argentine football.

Legacy

Leo Franco is remembered as a talented goalkeeper who had a successful club career across multiple leagues and was a key player for the Argentine national team during his tenure. His achievements, including a Copa del Rey title and a FIFA World Youth Championship, mark significant milestones in his football journey.

Собрано из открытых источников (3) · факты со ссылками · обработка ИИ

Wikidata

Карьера и клубы

Career statistics

Club

International

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

Club career

Born in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Buenos Aires Province, Franco started his career at Club Atlético Independiente, moving at the age of 20 to Spain with CP Mérida where he did not appear in La Liga, barred by Carlos Navarro Montoya and suffering relegation. In the following year he joined RCD Mallorca, spending his first season with their reserves and again dropping down a tier, now in the Segunda División. Franco would be however promoted to the Balearic Islands club's first team, going on to establish himself as the starter after replacing compatriot Carlos Roa in the pecking order. In the 2000–01 campaign he appeared in 27 matches as Mallorca finished in a best-ever third position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and helped to win the Copa del Rey in 2003. Franco was acquired by Atlético Madrid in June 2004, being first choice from the beginning. Until the end of 2007–08 he saved seven penalties, including two against Sevilla FC on 23 March 2006 (0–1 home loss) and two more at Real Betis on 2 December (1–0 win). Precisely during that season, he was challenged by newly signed Christian Abbiati (loaned by AC Milan), but regained his starting status in 2008–09, relegating veteran Grégory Coupet to the bench. On 1 July 2009, aged 32, after not seeing his contract renewed, Franco left the Vicente Calderón Stadium – as Coupet– and signed with Galatasaray S.K. from Turkey. His first Süper Lig appearance took place on 9 August, in a 3–2 away victory over…

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

International career

With the Argentina under-20 team, Franco won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia. On 6 May 2006, two years after making his debut for the senior side, he was selected by coach José Pekerman – also the manager of the under-20s – to the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. On 30 June 2006, Franco replaced the injured Roberto Abbondanzieri in the quarter-final tie against hosts Germany, failing to save one single penalty shootout attempt following a 1–1 draw.

▸ Источник: Wikipedia