Cristian Arango


Cristian Daniel "Chicho" Arango Duque is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes and the Colombia national team.

Club career

Early career

Arango began his professional career with Envigado in 2012, aged 17. For the 2015–16 [Segunda División B|2015–16 season], he was loaned out to Valencia B, Valencia's reserve team in the third division, where he scored eight goals in 26 games. At the end of the season, he returned to Envigado to play the 2016 [Categoría Primera A season|2016 Finalizacion season], where he played in all 20 games, scoring four goals.
In January 2017, his move to Millonarios was made official. He played with them in the 2017 Apertura and the 2017 Copa Libertadores, and although he did not get much playing time due to injuries, his performance interested many European clubs.

Portugal

On 28 June 2017, he was confirmed as a Benfica player, signing a five-year contract After playing the preseason with the club, the board decided to send him on loan. In August 2017, Desportivo Aves signed him on a one-year loan. On 10 January 2018, he scored two important goals in a match against Rio Ave; first, he scored in the last minute of the game to tie the score at 3-3 and send the game into extra time. He added another in extra time, and scored his penalty in the shootout to help his club qualify to the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal. Aves later won the cup, defeating Sporting CP in the 2018 [Taça de Portugal Final|final], although Arango did not play.
On 9 July 2018, he was loaned out again, this time to Tondela.

Return to Millonarios

On 10 July 2019, Arango returned to Millonarios, signing a three-year contract.

Los Angeles FC

On 2 August 2021, Arango joined Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Arango made an immediate impact, scoring 14 goals in 17 league matches, and was named Newcomer of the Year Award|Newcomer of the Year].

C.F. Pachuca

In February 2023 Chicho joined Liga MX Mexican side team C.F. Pachuca from LAFC on a three year contract.
Arango played the Clausura 2023 with the Tuzos where he was active in 11 games, five as a starter, and scored five goals.

Real Salt Lake

On 10 June 2023, Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake signed Arango through 2025 with an option for 2026. He made his first appearance for the club on 8 July 2023, scoring the opening goal in a 4–0 home win over Orlando City. On 20 February 2024, it was announced that Arango would be the new captain of Real Salt Lake. On 30 March Arango scored a second-half hat-trick, with one of the goals being a penalty, in a 3–1 victory over St. Louis City. On 1 June Arango scored another hat trick in a 5–1 win against Austin FC.

San Jose Earthquakes

On 11 January 2025 it was announced that Arango had been traded to San Jose Earthquakes from Real Salt Lake, for $1.4 million in GAM and one international roster spot for the 2026 season.

International career

On 16 November 2021, Arango made his senior national team debut in a 2022 [FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|World Cup qualifier] against Paraguay.

Honours

Aves
Los Angeles FC
Individual