Kiano Falcao Casamalhuapa (born April 11, 2006), also known as Kiano Falcao, is a footballer who plays as a left centerback for the academy team at RSC Hamsik Academy in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. Born in the United States, he is a youth international for El Salvador. Kiano Falcao holds multiple citizenships, including Salvadoran, American, Italian, and Colombian.
.jpg) Falcao in 2023 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Kiano Falcao Casamalhuapa | ||
| Date of birth | April 11, 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Bakersfield, California, U.S. | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Fullback, Midfielder#Defending midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | RSC Hamsik Academy | ||
| International career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023–2023 | El Salvador U17 | 9 | |
| 2023–2024 | El Salvador U20 | 13 | |
Club career
editOn September 11, 2024, Kiano Falcao signed with RSC Hamsik Academy as a free agent, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. RSC Hamsik Academy, founded by Marek Hamšík, the renowned Napoli and Slovak national team star player, is known for its commitment to developing young talent. The academy, benefiting from Hamšík's extensive experience and vision for youth development, recognized Falcao's potential and brought him into their esteemed program.
Prior to joining RSC Hamsik Academy, Falcao honed his skills in the United States.From February 8, 2021 to 2024, he was part of FC Cincinnati's Academy, having previously played for Tampa Bay United. During his time at FC Cincinnati, Falcao demonstrated versatility and consistency, playing over 50 games in the MLS League 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 youth teams of U.S. Salernitana 1919 and Cosenza Calcio in Italy.
These experiences culminated in Falcao's move to RSC Hamsik Academy, where he is expected to further develop his skills under the guidance of a program shaped by Marek Hamšík's football philosophy. The Academy's connection to such a distinguished figure in European football, combined with its reputation for nurturing young talent, makes it an ideal environment for Falcao to reach his full potential as a professional footballer. CopyRetryClaude does not have internet access. Links provided may not be accurate or up to date.Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
International career
editDespite his multiple citizenships, Falcao chose to represent El Salvador at the international level. He began his international career with El Salvador's U17 team, debuting on October 17, 2022, under coach Juan Carlos Serrano. 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. 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
editKiano 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
editStanding at 1.83 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.
Personal life
editKiano 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.
References
edit- ^ 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.