Pedro Franco

Pedro Camilo Franco Ulloa (; born 23 April 1991) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Alianza F.C. (Colombia). He is frequently used as a playmaker from the defensive end and also as a defensive midfielder if needed. He is mostly known for his anticipation of the ball, ball technique and passing.

Club career

Millonarios Franco is a youth product of Colombian team Millonarios. After making his debut in 2009 with the senior squad, he became a key defender for the Colombian capital's team. He was part of the team that won the 2012 Categoría Primera A season leading to the final on penalties, where he scored one of the penalties in victory.

In April 2013, Franco reached a remarkable 100th club career appearance.

Beşiktaş In June 2013, Franco signed a 5-year deal with Turkish giants Beşiktaş for a fee of €2.4 million. However, he did not play in any games for the Turkish side for several months, leading many to believe that would leave in the 2014 January transfer window. With no appearances in the league, Franco requested more playing time in order for potential spot in 2014 World Cup with Colombia. Beşiktaş coach, Slaven Bilić, promised to help him also guaranteeing that Franco would be included in Colombia's final list for the World Cup.

After months of struggling to earn his debut, Franco finally made his official first appearance for the club in 2014 after being subbed in against Trabzonspor in the 66th minute. The game ended 1-1. On February 11, 2014, he scored his first goal for Beşiktaş in a 3–0 away win against Kasımpaşa.

San Lorenzo On 15 January 2016, Franco joined San Lorenzo on a 6-month loan.

Return to Millonarios After a mostly unsuccessful loan spell at San Lorenzo, on 5 July 2016 Franco returned to his hometown team Millonarios on a 1-year loan.

Boluspor On 7 September 2017, signed with Turkish club Boluspor, on loan for the rest of the season.

América de Cali On 9 July 2018, Franco returned to Colombia, signing with América de Cali.

Blooming On 13 January 2021, Franco signed with Bolivian side Blooming, after being released by América de Cali in June 2020.

Fortaleza CEIF On 14 August 2021, Fortaleza C.E.I.F. announced the signing of Franco, marking his return to Colombia after a short spell in Bolivia.

Alianza Petrolera On 2 December 2022, Franco signed for Colombian side Alianza Petrolera.

International career

Franco played with the U-20 national team between 2009 and 2011. He won the 2011 edition of the Toulon Tournament where he was selected as the tournament's best defender, and played in the 2011 South American Youth Championship. He also represented Colombia during the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in which his home nation hosted.

3 years after last playing for Colombia's youth national team, he was called up to the senior squad for the friendlies against Canada and El Salvador. He debuted in a 3–0 win over El Salvador on 10 October, playing a full 90 minutes.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Club Millonarios F.C. Categoría Primera A: 2012-II Copa Colombia: 2011

Beşiktaş J.K. Süper Lig: 2015–16

América de Cali Categoría Primera A: 2019-II Categoría Primera A: 2020

International Colombia U20 Toulon Tournament: 2011

Individual South American Youth Football Championship Best Player: 2011