Kiano Falcao
 Falcao in Slovakia | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Kiano Falcao Casamalhuapa | ||
| Date of birth | April 11, 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Bakersfield, California, U.S. | ||
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | CD Atlético Huila | ||
| Number | 30 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2017–2019 | IdeaSport ESPN Orlando | ||
| 2019 | Rayo Vallecano | ||
| 2020 | Junior FC | ||
| 2020–2021 | Tampa Bay United | ||
| 2021–2024 | FC Cincinnati | ||
| 2024 | RSC Hamsik Academy | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | CD Atlético Huila | ||
| International career | |||
| 2022–2022 | El Salvador U17 | 9 | |
| 2024–2024 | El Salvador U20 | 13 | |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Kiano Falcao Casamalhuapa (born April 11, 2006), also known as Kiano Falcao, is a footballer who plays as a centre-back for CD Atlético Huila. Born in the United States, he is a youth international for El Salvador.
Club career
Early career
Falcao began his youth career with IdeaSport ESPN Orlando from 2017 to 2019. In August 2019, he moved to Spain to join Rayo Vallecano's youth academy, training with their first team youth academy and second foundation team in Madrid until December 2019.
In January 2020, Falcao joined Junior FC's U-15 team in Barranquilla, Colombia, but his time there was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. He then moved to the United States, joining Tampa Bay United's USL U-15 team from August 2020 to June 2021.
FC Cincinnati
From August 2021 to June 2024, Falcao was part of the FC Cincinnati Academy, playing for both their U-17 and U-19 teams. During his time at FC Cincinnati, Falcao demonstrated versatility and consistency, playing over 50 games in MLS Academy competitions as a midfielder, center back, and left back. He also participated in youth tournaments such as the GA Cup Qualifier, GA Cup, MLSNext FLEX, and MLS Tournament.
Falcao's talent attracted international attention during the 2022/2023 season. He had a trial with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, training with their youth team and playing in friendly matches.[1] Additionally, he trained with the youth teams of U.S. Salernitana and Cosenza Calcio in Italy.
European stint
On September 11, 2024, Kiano Falcao signed with RSC Hamsik Academy as a free agent, where he played for their U19 team.
Atlético Huila
In February 2024, Falcao joined CD Atlético Huila in Colombia's Categoría Primera A, signing with their U20 team. This move represented a significant step in his development, as he joined one of Colombia's established first-division clubs to continue his progression toward senior professional football. At Atlético Huila, Falcao wears the number 30 jersey and has been developing with their U20 squad while training with the senior team setup.
International career
Falcao holds citizenship in four countries: the United States (by birth), El Salvador (paternal), Italy (maternal), and Colombia (maternal), but has chosen to represent El Salvador at the international level.
Youth career
He began his international career with El Salvador's U17 team, debuting on October 17, 2022, under coach Juan Carlos Serrano. Falcao made 9 appearances for the U17 team from September 2022 to October 2022. Falcao helped the El Salvador U17 National Team reach the quarterfinals in the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Championship held in Antigua, Guatemala.[2]
Falcao progressed to the U20 level, becoming a key player for the El Salvador national under-20 team, also known as the Azulita.[3][4] He was selected for the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship squad by Spanish coach Juan Cortés, earning 13 caps from February 2024 to July 2024. Cortés praised Falcao's versatility, stating, "He's a left-back and center-back, very good. He's still young but in this process they're going to help us a lot, they have very good qualities."[3] Cortés also noted that Falcao's Italian citizenship would not occupy a non-EU spot, potentially increasing his appeal to European clubs. During the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship qualifying matches, Falcao played an important role in El Salvador's campaign, including a notable performance in the team's match against Guyana.[5]
2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship
Kiano Falcao participated in the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship held in Irapuato, Mexico. El Salvador was drawn into Group B alongside Honduras, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. The team started strong with a 1–0 victory against the Dominican Republic but subsequently lost to Honduras (4–1) and Canada (2–1). Despite Falcao's efforts, El Salvador finished third in the group with three points and a goal difference, which was insufficient to advance to the knockout stages.[6]
Playing style
Standing at 1.84 meters (6 ft 0 in), Falcao is known for his left-footedness, which is valuable in both defensive and midfield roles. This attribute enhances his passing ability and allows him to contribute effectively to building attacks from the back or controlling play in midfield. His versatility enables him to play multiple positions, providing tactical flexibility to his teams. As a natural left-footed centre-back, he brings balance to defensive partnerships and excels in aerial duels.
Personal life
Kiano Falcao holds citizenship in four countries: El Salvador, the United States (his country of birth), Italy, and Colombia. This diverse background potentially offers him international opportunities, but he has thus far committed to representing El Salvador in youth competitions. He currently resides in Celebration, Florida when not with his club.
References
- ^ Lopesino, Juan (February 21, 2023). "El Rayo Vallecano prueba a otro Falcao: Kiano Casamalhuapa". Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "Mexico v El Salvador Quarterfinals". CONCACAF. March 12, 2021.
- ^ a b Lopesino, Juan (February 14, 2024). "Rayo Vallecano y Adarve, protagonistas en El Salvador Sub-20". Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ Tovar, Diego (February 19, 2024). "Anuncian la nómina de la selección sub-20 de El Salvador para la clasificatoria al Premundial". El Gráfico.
- ^ "Mal día para la Selecta y empató con Guyana rumbo al Premundial Sub-20". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved February 27, 2024.
- ^ "2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship Results". CONCACAF.