Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSunday, July 26, 2026

Marco Pappa Leaving Chicago Fire For Heerenveen In January

Marco Pappa is heading to SC Heerenveen in Holland, but will stay with the Chicago Fire until the end of the MLS season.

WASHINGTON - APRIL 17: Marco Pappa #16 of Chicago Fire celebrates the game’s first and game winning goal against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Fire defeated DC United 2-0. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - APRIL 17: Marco Pappa #16 of Chicago Fire celebrates the game’s first and game winning goal against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Fire defeated DC United 2-0. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - APRIL 17: Marco Pappa #16 of Chicago Fire celebrates the game’s first and game winning goal against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Fire defeated DC United 2-0. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Guatemalan international Marco Pappa has been linked to a European move for a couple of years, and he's finally going to get it. His current club, the Chicago Fire, announced Monday via their official club website that Pappa will join up with SC Heerenveen in January.

Pappa will continue playing for the Fire for the rest of the MLS season. The Fire are currently involved in a playoff race in the Eastern Conference and Pappa is one of their best players, so getting Pappa and Heerenveen to agree to a move in January, as opposed to right now, is a great piece of business.

Fire president of soccer operations Javier Leon spoke about the transfer.

“We understand Marco’s desire to play in Europe and fully support his move to Holland. It was key for us to keep Marco through the end of the season as we push for a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. We are grateful for his contributions to the club and believe Marco will represent the Fire well in Europe.”

Heereneven are a good side, but they’re in need of some firepower. They lost their season opener at home over the weekend, falling 2-0 to NEC. Heereneven finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season, but lost a number of key players during the summer. Striker Bas Dost, attacking midfielder Viktor Elm and right back Daryl Janmaat all left the club this transfer window.

For more on Pappa, head over to Chicago Fire blog Hot Time in Old Town.

Soccer
Predicting the MLS Playoffs: Eastern Conference editionPredicting the MLS Playoffs: Eastern Conference edition
Soccer

Here’s a look at the matchups in the East, with what to look out for and, our prediction of who will be moving on to the conference final.

By Sean Golden
Soccer
Major League Soccer is aligning its schedule with the rest of the world. Here’s why.Major League Soccer is aligning its schedule with the rest of the world. Here’s why.
Soccer

Given the league has followed its traditional winter-to-winter format since its inception, MLS commissioner Don Garber described the move as “one of the most important decisions in our history.”

By Sean Golden
Soccer
MLS wild card playoffs kick off tonight. Our picks for teams moving on to the next roundMLS wild card playoffs kick off tonight. Our picks for teams moving on to the next round
Soccer

Here’s everything you need to know, from when, what’s at stake, which team to bet, and of course, our prediction.

By Sean Golden
Soccer
Could Lionel Messi’s potential re-signing with Inter Miami mean he could play in the 2026 World Cup?Could Lionel Messi’s potential re-signing with Inter Miami mean he could play in the 2026 World Cup?
Soccer

The reports are that a contract extension is close, and it could also mean he appears in the 2026 World Cup.

By Donald Wine II
Major League Soccer
Should Lionel Messi win MLS MVP despite missing almost half the season?Should Lionel Messi win MLS MVP despite missing almost half the season?
Major League Soccer

We discuss the MVP candidates and decide if missing half the season makes a player more valuable.

By Donald Wine II
Major League Soccer
Five things you should hope to see out of the start of the MLS Cup playoffsFive things you should hope to see out of the start of the MLS Cup playoffs
Major League Soccer

Tuesday night’s wild card round kicks off a over a month of postseason drama

By Donald Wine II