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Toronto FC Sign Homegrown Defender Kobe Franklin

February 24, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC announced today that the club has signed defender Kobe Franklin to a Homegrown contract through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026. Franklin becomes the 32nd player in club history to sign for the first team from the Toronto FC Academy.

"Kobe is a hard working and determined young player who has come through our Academy system, and we are excited for him to take the next step in his career," said Toronto FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley. "He has spent the past two preseasons with the first team, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with Kobe at the first team level."

Franklin, 19, joins Toronto FC after spending time with the First Team during the 2023 preseason. Prior to joining the Reds, Franklin spent the past two seasons with Toronto FC II, where he registered four goals and six assists through 46 appearances in USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro action. Last season, Franklin was signed to a short-term loan with Toronto FC and made his TFC debut as a substitute against FC Cincinnati on May 4, 2022. He originally signed with TFC II on May 13, 2021 and made his professional debut against North Texas SC on May 22. In his debut season with the Young Reds, Franklin was named to the USL League One All-League First Team and was a finalist for the USL League One Young Player of the Year and Defender of the Year awards.

In August 2018, Franklin, at 15 years, three months and 10 days, became the youngest male goalscorer in League1 Ontario history after scoring in a TFC III win against Ottawa South United. Franklin originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in February 2017.

At the international level, Franklin has represented the Canadian National Team at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, starting two of the team's three games in Brazil, and the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he started all three of the team's games in Honduras.

TRANSACTION: Toronto FC sign defender Kobe Franklin as a Homegrown Player through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026.

KOBE FRANKLIN

Position: Defender

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 148 lbs.

Birthdate: May 10, 2003 (Age - 19)

Hometown: East York, Ontario

Nationality: Canadian

Last Club: Toronto FC II

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