André Franco Bio: Career, Age, Stats, Clubs & Personal Life

André Franco is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Chicago Fire FC. He was born on April 12, 1998, in Lisbon, Portugal. Therefore, he is 28 years old as of September 2026.

Franco developed through Portugal’s youth football system. He started at the Sporting CP academy before spending time with Belenenses. Later, he joined Estoril Praia and began his senior career there.

His career later took him to FC Porto, one of Portugal’s biggest clubs. He then moved to Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire.

Franco primarily plays as an attacking midfielder. He stands around 5 feet 10 inches tall and prefers his left foot.

André Franco Early Life and Football Background

André Franco grew up in Lisbon, Portugal, where football plays a major role in local culture.

He joined the Sporting CP academy at a young age. The academy has produced several prominent Portuguese footballers over the years.

Franco progressed through Sporting’s youth structure before seeking opportunities elsewhere. He also spent a season with Belenenses’ Under-19 setup.

That experience helped him continue developing as an attacking midfielder. Eventually, Estoril Praia gave him another important opportunity.

In 2018, Franco joined Estoril Praia’s Under-23 team. He soon began pushing toward senior football.

This move proved important for his professional development.

André Franco at Estoril Praia

Franco progressed from Estoril’s development setup into the first team.

He made his senior competitive debut in August 2019. He entered as a substitute against Paços de Ferreira in the Taça da Liga.

Soon afterward, he made his LigaPro debut against Farense.

The midfielder gradually became more important to Estoril. His performances also helped the club secure promotion.

During the 2020–21 season, Estoril won the Segunda Liga title. Franco contributed during that successful campaign.

The following season brought even greater attention.

Franco scored 11 goals and provided four assists during the 2021–22 campaign. Estoril described him as one of the league’s emerging talents.

Overall, Franco recorded 72 appearances, 15 goals and 10 assists for Estoril across competitions.

Consequently, several clubs began watching his progress.

André Franco Transfer to FC Porto

In August 2022, Franco completed a major career move.

FC Porto signed him from Estoril Praia on a five-year contract. The transfer represented a significant step forward in his career.

Porto gave Franco an opportunity to compete at a much higher level. He also entered European competitions and domestic title races.

He made his Porto debut against Rio Ave in August 2022.

Soon afterward, he scored his first Porto goal against Chaves. The midfielder finished from close range during a 3–0 victory.

Franco remained with Porto for several seasons.

According to Chicago Fire, he made 71 appearances and scored five goals for Porto across competitions.

However, his value went beyond his goal totals.

He contributed as a technical midfielder who could connect midfield and attack. His passing and creativity also allowed him to operate between defensive lines.

André Franco Porto Trophies and Achievements

Franco collected several major trophies during his Porto career.

His honours include:

• Primeira Liga: 2022–23
• Taça de Portugal: 2022–23
• Taça de Portugal: 2023–24
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2024
• Taça da Liga: 2022–23

Liga Portugal’s player profile also lists these honours among his career achievements.

Franco also featured in Porto’s squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

He appeared during Porto’s opening group match against Palmeiras.

Therefore, his Porto period gave him experience across several major competitions.

André Franco Joins Chicago Fire

Franco moved to Chicago Fire FC in August 2025.

Initially, the MLS club signed him from Porto on loan through the 2025 season. The agreement included an option to purchase him permanently.

He quickly made an impression in Chicago.

Franco played six matches during his initial MLS spell. He started five of those games.

More importantly, he recorded four assists in six appearances.

He produced two assists against the New England Revolution on September 6, 2025. That performance came in his first Chicago start.

He also recorded assists against Minnesota United and Columbus Crew.

His strong start convinced Chicago to make the transfer permanent.

André Franco Chicago Fire Contract

On November 7, 2025, Chicago Fire announced Franco’s permanent transfer.

The club signed him to a contract running through June 30, 2028. Chicago also holds a club option covering the remainder of 2028.

The transfer made Franco an important part of Chicago’s midfield group.

Chicago Fire listed him as an international player on its roster.

The club also confirmed that Franco had made a strong early impression during his loan spell.

His contract therefore keeps him tied to Chicago for several seasons.

André Franco Injury Update

Franco’s first MLS season ended prematurely because of a serious knee injury.

He suffered an ACL tear during Chicago’s match against Inter Miami in September 2025. The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.

By July 2026, Franco remained in rehabilitation.

He completed part of his recovery work in Portugal. He trained at the facilities of Real SC in Queluz while working with Chicago’s medical team.

He then returned to Chicago to continue his recovery.

As of August 2026, Chicago Fire still listed Franco on the league’s injured list. The club classified his issue as a lower-body injury.

Therefore, Franco had not returned to competitive action by late August 2026.

Some player databases list an expected return around October 2026. However, recovery timelines can change during ACL rehabilitation.

André Franco Playing Style

Franco primarily operates as an attacking midfielder.

He can receive the ball between midfield and defensive lines. He also has the technical ability to create opportunities for teammates.

His passing allows him to move the ball quickly around crowded areas.

Furthermore, Franco can contribute through assists and attacking combinations.

His early Chicago statistics demonstrated that creative side of his game. He produced four assists during only six MLS appearances.

His left-footed ability can also provide variety in midfield.

However, his role can change depending on his team’s tactical setup.

André Franco International Career

Franco developed within Portugal’s football system from his youth years.

However, his senior career has primarily focused on club football.

He has not established himself as a regular member of Portugal’s senior national team.

Therefore, most of his professional recognition has come from his club performances.

His time with Sporting, Estoril, Porto and Chicago has shaped his career path.

André Franco Age, Height and Position

Here are the key facts about André Franco:

Chicago Fire confirms his birth date, birthplace, position and current roster status.

André Franco Career Statistics

Franco’s career statistics show a steady progression through Portuguese football.

At Estoril, he established himself as an important attacking player. His final Estoril record included 72 appearances, 15 goals and 10 assists across competitions.

At Porto, he made 71 appearances and scored five goals across competitions.

His Chicago career began with a smaller sample.

He played six matches during his initial 2025 loan spell. Nevertheless, he produced four assists, showing significant creative influence.

His injury then interrupted his progress.

Consequently, his future statistics will depend heavily on his recovery and eventual return.

What Is André Franco’s Net Worth?

André Franco’s exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed by reliable sources.

Therefore, estimates published online should receive caution.

Football salaries can include base wages, bonuses, sponsorship income and other contractual benefits.

Chicago Fire did not disclose the financial terms of Franco’s permanent transfer.

For that reason, it would be misleading to present an exact net worth figure without reliable documentation.

What Happened to André Franco?

André Franco suffered an ACL injury during his first MLS season with Chicago Fire.

The injury occurred after he had made an encouraging start to his Chicago career.

He then underwent surgery and began a long rehabilitation program.

By July 2026, he had returned to Portugal temporarily for part of his recovery. He later continued his rehabilitation in Chicago.

As of late August 2026, Chicago still listed him as unavailable.

His recovery remains an important part of his current career story.

Where Does André Franco Play Now?

André Franco currently belongs to Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer.

Chicago signed him permanently after his initial loan from FC Porto.

His contract runs through June 2028, with an option for the remainder of that year.

However, his current playing status remains affected by his knee injury.

The Chicago Fire continued listing him on the injured list during the 2026 season.

André Franco Biography: Frequently Asked Questions

How old is André Franco?

André Franco is 28 years old. He was born on April 12, 1998, in Lisbon, Portugal.

What position does André Franco play?

Franco plays primarily as a midfielder, with an attacking midfield role.

Which club does André Franco play for?

He plays for Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer.

Did André Franco play for FC Porto?

Yes. Franco joined Porto in 2022 and remained with the club until his move to Chicago.

How many trophies has André Franco won?

His honours include domestic trophies with Porto and Estoril. Porto honours include the Portuguese league, Portuguese Cup and Super Cup.

What happened to André Franco’s knee?

He suffered an ACL tear in 2025 during a Chicago Fire match against Inter Miami. He subsequently underwent surgery and rehabilitation.

When could André Franco return?

His exact return date remains uncertain. A current player database lists October 2026 as an expected return, but recovery timelines can change.

Is André Franco Portuguese?

Yes. Franco is Portuguese and was born in Lisbon.

André Franco Career Outlook

André Franco’s career has already taken him through several important stages.

He developed in Sporting’s youth system before establishing himself with Estoril. Then, he earned a move to FC Porto and collected major domestic trophies.

His move to Chicago created a new international chapter.

Moreover, his first MLS performances suggested an ability to contribute creatively. Unfortunately, the ACL injury interrupted that progress.

Now, his immediate focus remains rehabilitation and a safe return to football.

At 28, Franco still has several potential playing years ahead of him. His next chapter will depend on his recovery and his ability to regain competitive fitness.

For now, his journey remains a notable example of a Portuguese midfielder building a career from academy football to European competition and MLS.