<p>The 5-year survival rates of esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) patients were pessimistic. Hsa_circ_0000419 could influence the malignant behavior of many cancers. To evaluate whether hsa_circ_0000419 can be an independent indicator for ESCC diagnosis and prognosis. Using RT-qPCR to determine hsa_circ_0000419 and miR-580-3p expression in ESCC tissues and cells. The role of hsa_circ_0000419 for ESCC patients’ diagnosis and prognosis was assessed by ROC curve, Kaplan–Meier curve, and Cox regression analysis. The functions of hsa_circ_0000419 in KYSE450 and TE13 cells were tested by the CCK-8 method, transwell method, and flow cytometry. The relationship between hsa_circ_0000419 and miR-580-3p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our study revealed that the level of hsa_circ_0000419 was elevated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. hsa_circ_0000419 ROC curves could effectively distinguish between tumor tissues and normal tissues. Kaplan–Meier curve indicated that ESCC patients had a poor prognosis with high-hsa_circ_0000419 level. The Cox regression analysis showed that hsa_circ_0000419 was an independent biomarker for ESCC. In vitro assay revealed that inhibiting hsa_circ_0000419 expression controlled the malignant behavior of ESCC, while miR-580-3p inhibitor could reverse this inhibition. hsa_circ_0000419 promoted malignant behavior in ESCC by sponging miR-580-3p. Hsa_circ_0000419 was an indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of ESCC. Hsa_circ_0000419 promoted ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis by down-regulating miR-580-3p expression.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>