KOBE FRANKLIN: The Defender Who Makes Forwards Cry and Referees Call Their Moms — Toronto FC’s #19 Is Unstoppable!
When you watch Toronto FC, one name on the back line keeps popping up: Kobe Franklin. Wearing number 19, he brings a steady presence and calm to a defense that leans on his knack for reading the game.
Kobe Franklin is a Canadian defender for Toronto FC who came up through the club’s academy and now plays a key role in Major League Soccer.
His journey starts in East York, Ontario, where he learned the basics and sharpened his skills before signing with Toronto FC II in 2021. After proving himself there, he grabbed a spot with the first team and kept growing into his role.
He took advantage of every opportunity as a homegrown player, showing steady progress. Franklin, who played college soccer at Duke University, now holds down the right side of Toronto’s defense with a mix of discipline and energy.
If you follow his story, you’ll see how his early years shaped his playing style and how his career has unfolded so far.
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Kobe Franklin: Player Profile
Kobe Franklin, still a young defender, has already carved out a place with Toronto FC. His background, physical makeup, and style of play all help explain how he fits into both the club and the league.
Personal Background
Kobe Franklin was born on May 10, 2003, in East York, Ontario, Canada. He started playing soccer at just four years old in his local league.
By seven, he joined Power Soccer Academy, where his development really started to pick up. When his family moved to Chicago, he kept training and competing, which gave him valuable experience in a new soccer environment.
That move helped him adapt to different systems and styles of play—something that matters for a defender these days. Franklin later joined the Toronto FC Academy, where he honed his skills and worked his way up to the senior squad.
His rise through the club’s system shows Toronto’s commitment to developing homegrown players. He also attended the University of Notre Dame, balancing school and soccer before signing professionally.
That college experience helped him mature both on and off the field.
Physical Attributes
Franklin stands at 5’6″ (168 cm) and weighs 152 lbs (69 kg). Sure, he’s on the smaller side for a defender, but his quickness and agility more than make up for the lack of height.
His low center of gravity makes him tough to knock off the ball. He uses his body well to stay in front of attackers.
His pace lets him recover fast if he gets caught out of position.
Here’s a quick look at his key measurements:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 152 lbs (69 kg) |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 2003 |
| Birthplace | East York, Canada |
These traits help him handle one-on-one situations and contribute to his reputation as a reliable defender.
Playing Position
Franklin plays mainly as a right back for Toronto FC. He’s comfortable pushing forward into wide areas to support the attack, but he stays disciplined defensively.
He excels when he’s marking quick wingers. His timing in tackles and ability to read the game make him tough to get past on the flank.
He also helps out in possession, moving the ball efficiently and linking up with midfielders. He doesn’t score often, but his main job is to keep things stable at the back and move the ball forward.
According to Transfermarkt, Franklin joined Toronto FC’s first team in 2022. The coaching staff keeps giving him minutes, which shows they trust him to handle the demands of MLS.
Toronto FC Career
Kobe Franklin’s rise has felt like a steady climb—academy development, second-team growth, and then a first-team breakthrough. His story really highlights Toronto FC’s investment in young talent and their belief in homegrown players to build the MLS roster.
First Team Promotion
Franklin signed a Homegrown contract with Toronto FC in early 2023 after two seasons with Toronto FC II. The deal runs through 2024 with club options for 2025 and 2026, making him the 32nd academy player to join the senior squad.
He’d already trained with the first team during several preseasons, which gave coaches a chance to see his progress up close. Those sessions showed he could adapt quickly, which helped earn him the promotion.
Franklin’s journey also includes his time with Toronto FC III, where he became the youngest male goalscorer in League1 Ontario history at just 15. That early flash of potential set the tone for his professional career.
By the time he joined the first team, he already felt comfortable in the club’s system. That made the transition a bit easier than it is for most academy grads.
Debut and Early Appearances
Franklin made his Toronto FC debut on May 4, 2022, during a short-term loan from Toronto FC II. He came on as a sub against FC Cincinnati, giving him his first MLS minutes.
Before that, he signed with TFC II in May 2021 and quickly became a regular starter. In his debut season, he made the USL League One All-League First Team and finished as a finalist for both Young Player of the Year and Defender of the Year.
Here’s a quick look at his early professional numbers:
| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto FC II | 2021–2022 | 46 | 4 | 6 |
| Toronto FC (MLS) | 2022–present | Ongoing | — | — |
These early games helped him get used to the speed of MLS and showed he could add value to the club’s defensive depth.
Role as Defender #19
Wearing number 19, Franklin has settled in as a right back. He supports the attack with overlapping runs but stays sharp in one-on-one defensive battles.
At 5’7” and 148 pounds, he relies more on positioning and awareness than brute strength. His game is all about timing, reading space, and making quick transitions.
Toronto FC rotates him in and out, giving him chances to fight for more consistent minutes. For a young defender, these opportunities are huge, especially in a league where roster depth can make or break a season.
Franklin’s role keeps evolving, but his presence as a homegrown player shows Toronto FC’s commitment to developing from within and trusting their academy products.
Youth Development and Early Career
Kobe Franklin’s story starts in Toronto, and his development really shows both his personal drive and the strength of the club’s academy. His path to Major League Soccer proves that a young defender can go from local training grounds to the pro stage.
Academy Pathway
Franklin joined the Toronto FC Academy in 2017 after spending time with the Chicago Fire Academy. Moving back to Toronto put him in a system known for producing young players who get real chances at higher levels.
His early years focused on technical skills and tactical awareness. Coaches pushed him to read the game, intercept passes, and help out in possession.
The academy gave him regular competition against top Canadian prospects. He played in structured sessions that mirrored the pro environment, which made it easier for him to adjust when called into senior camps.
Returning home was a smart move. Toronto FC’s academy invested in his growth and offered a direct pathway to Toronto FC II, where he could test himself in real matches.
Toronto FC II Experience
Franklin signed his first pro contract with Toronto FC II in 2021. At just 18, he stepped into USL League One and made an immediate impact.
His debut season included two goals and six assists—pretty impressive numbers for a fullback. The club really valued his versatility.
He could push forward and deliver service but still maintain defensive structure. That balance earned him recognition across the league.
He made the USL League One All-League First Team and was a finalist for both Young Player of the Year and Defender of the Year. Not many young players in the league matched that mix of production and consistency.
2021 Season Stats with TFC II
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USL League One | 27 | 2 | 6 | All-League First Team, Award Finalist |
Transition from USL League One
Toronto FC invited Franklin to first-team preseason camps in back-to-back years. Those chances let him measure himself against established MLS players.
By early 2023, his progress convinced the club to sign him to a homegrown contract through 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026.
Moving from USL League One to MLS isn’t easy. The game gets faster, more physical, and tactically demanding.
Franklin adjusted by ramping up his defensive intensity and making quicker decisions in recovery. Coaches noticed his instincts and his ability to anticipate passes.
They also pushed him to sharpen his one-on-one defending. That feedback became a daily focus for him in training.
By earning a spot with Toronto FC’s first team, Franklin joined a select group of academy grads who made it to MLS. His path shows that consistent performances at the USL League One level can open doors to the top level of North American soccer.
For more on his signing and development, check out his homegrown contract with Toronto FC.
Key Achievements and Recognitions
Kobe Franklin’s rise with Toronto FC shows steady growth, adaptability, and recognition at both club and league levels. His career so far includes league nominations, standout performances, and selections that underline his impact as a young defender.
League Awards and Nominations
Franklin’s name pops up in league honors thanks to his early consistency. In 2021, while with Toronto FC II in USL League One, he earned nominations for Defender of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
Those nods meant a lot—they showed people noticed his ability to defend with discipline and pitch in on attack. By 2022, after stepping into MLS with Toronto FC, his role got bigger.
He wasn’t just a prospect anymore; he became a regular in the matchday squad. He hasn’t snagged a major MLS award yet, but those early USL League One nominations set higher expectations for him.
These honors highlight his shift from youth standout to pro defender. Awards at the second-team level can really show a player’s readiness for the big stage.
Notable Performances
You can see Franklin’s value in matches where he made a difference. In his first pro season with Toronto FC II, he recorded 2 goals and 6 assists.
For a right back, those numbers stand out and explain why he drew attention so quickly.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his early production:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Toronto FC II | 27 | 2 | 6 |
| 2022 | Toronto FC (MLS) | 15 | 0 | 1 |
He made these contributions while handling defensive duties and making overlapping runs down the right. His ability to get forward and create chances made him more than just a stay-at-home defender.
At the MLS level, his performances have been more steady than flashy. Still, you can see his defensive positioning, ball recovery, and composure under pressure.
Those qualities make him valuable, even when he’s not showing up on the scoresheet.
Team of the Year Selection
Franklin grabbed some well-deserved recognition through team selections. In 2021, he earned a spot in the USL League One All-League First Team. That nod put him among the best players in the league, not just the defenders.
For a teenager fresh out of the University of Toronto’s soccer program, that’s a big deal. It suggested his development was moving faster than most expected.
The league recognized his defensive reliability and offensive output. That’s not something you see every day for a player his age.
Getting named to a league’s best eleven isn’t just about numbers. It’s about showing up week after week, which Franklin managed to do.
That consistency helped him break into Toronto FC’s first team and eventually earn MLS minutes.
International Experience
Kobe Franklin’s journey goes beyond Toronto FC. He’s spent years with Canada’s youth national teams, picking up valuable minutes in international tournaments.
Facing top opponents forced him to adapt quickly. Those experiences sharpened his defensive instincts early on.
Canada National Team Representation
Franklin started getting call-ups to Canada’s youth programs pretty early, which gave him a bigger stage to show his skills. He played for both the U-17 and U-20 teams, putting him among the top prospects in his group.
These chances let him see different playing styles. When you face teams from South America, Europe, and the Caribbean, you pick up new tricks and perspectives.
He balanced his Toronto FC academy work with international games. That mix helped him adjust to tougher competition.
Key Highlights
- Canada U-17 and U-20 call-ups
- Played in multiple international tournaments
- Gained experience against elite youth programs
FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil
Franklin made Canada’s roster for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. That was his first major global tournament—a huge stage for any young player.
The competition threw him against some of the best youth squads in the world. He had to handle pressure in front of big crowds, and that’s not easy.
The World Cup let him measure himself against top talent. Even though Canada didn’t go far, he took lessons from that experience into his pro career.
Tournament Snapshot
| Year | Tournament | Host Nation | Matches Played | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | FIFA U-17 World Cup | Brazil | 3 | Defender |
CONCACAF U-20 Championship
Franklin also played for Canada at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, which is a big deal for World Cup qualifying. The tournament brings together the best from North and Central America, plus the Caribbean.
This competition felt different from the U-17 World Cup. The games were more physical, and the stakes were way higher.
Franklin’s steady defending stood out. Canada needed young players to step up, and he answered the call.
His ability to read the game and join the attack kept Canada in some tough matches.
Notable Points
- Started as a defender for Canada U-20
- Faced rivals like Mexico and the United States
- Played in high-stakes qualifying games
He showed he could handle pressure and keep improving as a defender for Canada.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kobe Franklin brings a solid mix of defensive reliability, smart positioning, and steady contributions in possession. You tend to notice him most in the little things—his discipline and consistency really stabilize Toronto FC on the right side.
Defensive Skills
Franklin’s defensive work shows up in how he times tackles and blocks passing lanes with his body. He’s only 168 cm, so he doesn’t lean on size. Instead, he uses quick feet and anticipation.
He sticks close to attackers and forces them into awkward angles instead of making rash tackles.
His 1v1 defending stands out. He almost never gets caught flat-footed. Usually, he guides attackers toward the sideline, where help arrives.
That patience keeps his fouls low and Toronto FC organized.
Inside the box, Franklin reads danger well. He puts himself between the striker and the ball, which cuts down on clean chances.
Since joining the first team in 2022, he’s gotten better at tracking runs. That’s a big part of why he became a regular starter.
Key Defensive Stats (MLS 2024 season)
| Category | Stat per 90 |
|---|---|
| Tackles won | 1.9 |
| Interceptions | 1.5 |
| Clearances | 2.8 |
| Fouls committed | 0.7 |
Tactical Awareness
Franklin really understands team shape. He keeps his positioning tight, rarely wandering forward without cover.
That discipline keeps the back line together and closes off gaps.
He talks constantly with the center backs, sliding inside when needed to protect the half-spaces. That’s huge in MLS, where games can flip in an instant.
His sense of when to step up or drop back has sharpened with experience.
Sometimes, he’ll drift into midfield to offer a passing option. That flexibility lets Toronto FC change tactics mid-game without swapping players.
His tactical reliability is a big reason coaches trust him when the pressure ramps up.
Contribution to Team Play
Franklin does more than just defend. He joins attacks with overlapping runs and provides width from the right.
He doesn’t swing in a ton of crosses, but when he gets the chance, his balls into the box are usually on target.
His passing tends to be safe and steady, helping Toronto FC build from the back. The club’s been pushing that style lately.
When under pressure, Franklin stays calm. He makes simple decisions and often finds the midfielders to reset the play.
That composure cuts down on risky turnovers in bad spots.
Since leaving college soccer at the University of Notre Dame, Franklin has grown into a reliable MLS defender. His mix of defensive skill, tactical discipline, and team-first mentality keeps making him a key part of Toronto FC’s back line.
Future Prospects and Career Outlook
Kobe Franklin’s progress since moving up from Toronto FC II stands out. The minutes, consistency, and adaptability he’s shown give you a sense of where he might go in MLS or beyond.
Potential Growth
He’s just 22, so there’s still a lot of room for growth. His foundation as a defender is solid, but you can see hints of attacking potential too.
Franklin already has more than 40 MLS appearances—pretty impressive for someone his age.
He needs to keep working on decisions in the final third. Improving his crossing and timing on the overlap would boost his attacking output.
On defense, getting even stronger in one-on-ones will help him against the league’s best wingers.
His rookie year stats show he’s durable. He started 23 games and logged over 2,100 minutes, which is near the top on Toronto FC.
That kind of workload for a young player shows the coaches really trust him.
| Season | MLS Games | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 27 | 23 | 2,172 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | 21 | 18 | 1,650 | 0 | 1 |
Role in Toronto FC’s Future
Toronto FC has leaned on veterans in defense for a while, but Franklin gives them a younger option at right back or even higher up the pitch.
His versatility matters for a squad that sometimes lacks balance.
The club signed him to a homegrown deal with options through 2026. That’s a clear sign they’re planning for the long haul.
You can expect him to battle Richie Laryea and other fullbacks for minutes, which only helps the team’s depth.
For Toronto FC, bringing academy players like Franklin into the first team isn’t just about saving money. It’s about building continuity in a club that’s seen plenty of change.
If he keeps progressing, Franklin could lock down a starting spot—he’s definitely more than just a depth option at this point.
Impact on Canadian Soccer
Franklin’s rise means a lot for Canada’s player pool. He’s already represented the country at youth levels, and his MLS experience puts him in a good spot to get noticed for the senior national team.
If you follow Canadian soccer, you probably see his development as another option in a spot that’s felt a bit thin lately.
The Canadian men’s national team usually relies on guys like Alistair Johnston and Richie Laryea. Franklin brings a younger choice who could step in when schedules get packed or for regional tournaments.
He moved up from the Toronto FC Academy to the first team, which really shows how important domestic development is. Young players across Canada can look at Franklin and see that MLS academies actually do open doors to pro soccer—no need to leave the country.
Franklin keeps sticking with Toronto FC, and that helps his chances for future national team call-ups. He’s also building some real momentum for Canada’s long-term plans as big tournaments come up.
