Career
His nickname is El Mago, meaning wizard or magician. Salas began his career in the youth ranks of, and in 2000 made his debut with the senior side. In late 2006, Salas had a trial with PSV Eindhoven, but Ronald Koeman did not offer him a contract.
On 16 July 2007, Salas was presented along with Argentine Hernán Barcos and Colombian Mauricio Molina, as the three new South American players for Red Star Belgrade, former European Cup champions.
In 2008, Salas made a return to after a bad run with the Serbian club Salas was called for the Ecuador national under-20 football team to play the 2001 Fédération internationale de football association World Youth Championship, where he made three substitutes appearances.
He scored the winning goal against Colombia in World Cup qualification on 2 June 2004. Franklin was also voted as one of the 3 best players of the 2004 Copa América, along Robinho and Carlos Tevez.