Maarten Paes FC Dallas Goalkeeper #1 Key Player Profile and Season Highlights

Maarten Paes is the heartbeat between the sticks for FC Dallas, rocking that iconic number 1 jersey. If you’re keeping up with Major League Soccer, you’ve probably seen Paes pull off some wild saves, keeping Dallas alive in those nail-biting finishes.

He’s originally from the Netherlands, but now he represents Indonesia on the international stage. That’s a twist you don’t see every day.

Paes’s impact goes way beyond just stopping shots. In 2024, he hit a career high with nine saves in a single game. That performance got him a nod for his first MLS All-Star Game, which is no small feat.

Let’s take a quick look at his recent stats:

Season	Club	Appearances	Saves	Clean Sheets
2023	FC Dallas	34	112	11
2024	FC Dallas	18	63	6

If you want the full picture of FC Dallas’s defense, you can’t ignore what Maarten Paes brings. For more on his story and record, check out his official FC Dallas profile.

Maarten Paes: Background and Early Life

Maarten Paes plays as the starting goalkeeper for FC Dallas. He grew up in the Netherlands but now wears Indonesian colors, showing off both his roots and his international flair.

Date of Birth and Hometown

Maarten Vincent Paes was born on May 14, 1998, in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Nijmegen’s one of those classic Dutch cities, steeped in history and buzzing with sports energy.

As a kid in Nijmegen, Paes dove right into the local football scene. Those youth football programs? They really molded his technical skills and gave him that early push to chase the pro dream.

His full name, Maarten Vincent Paes, is a nod to his Dutch heritage. The early days in the Netherlands laid the foundation for everything he’s achieved since.

Indonesian Heritage and Citizenship

Paes’s family story plays a big role in his international career. Born in the Netherlands, he also carries Indonesian heritage, which has become a bigger part of his journey lately.

He’s now an Indonesian citizen and gets the chance to play for Indonesia’s national team. That move brought both a personal and professional twist to his path.

Indonesian fans have shown him tons of support, especially after moments like his MLS All-Star selection.

With roots in two football cultures, Paes connects with fans in both countries. His family’s history opened the door for him to represent a nation crazy about soccer. If you want to dig deeper, check his Wikipedia page.

Early Football Development

Paes started sharpening his goalkeeping skills in the youth systems in Nijmegen. He stood out for his quick reflexes and discipline, even as a youngster.

Local clubs gave him the kind of structured training Dutch football is famous for. Paes put in the hours, grinding away at the basics before moving on to more advanced stuff.

Coaches noticed his knack for reading the game and stepping up as a leader. Those traits still show up in his play today.

As his reputation grew, bigger Dutch clubs started to take notice. His youth team performances set him apart, and soon he looked like a real prospect for the pro level.

Transition to Professional Football

Paes didn’t jump straight from youth football to the big leagues. He worked his way through several academies in the Netherlands, picking up experience at every stop.

He took a big step by signing with FC Utrecht, a club known for developing young talent in the Eredivisie. There, he learned under top coaches and faced top-tier competition.

Here’s a quick look at some key milestones:

Year	Club	Level	Notable Stat
2018	FC Utrecht	Eredivisie	Senior debut
2019	Jong Utrecht	Eerste Divisie	Regular starter
2022	FC Dallas	Major League Soccer	Became first-choice

In 2022, Paes made the leap to Major League Soccer and quickly became a key man for FC Dallas. He grabbed the club’s No. 1 shirt and earned an MLS All-Star nod, showing how hard work and adaptability can pay off. You can check out his club journey and stats at his FC Dallas profile.

Professional Career Journey

Maarten Paes has played his way through Europe and America, building a reputation as a rock-solid goalkeeper wherever he’s gone. He started in the Netherlands and now makes his mark in Major League Soccer with Dallas.

NEC Nijmegen: Youth and Senior Team

Paes first made a name for himself at NEC Nijmegen, his hometown club. He came up through their youth system, learning the ropes of goalkeeping and match prep from a young age.

By 2016, his hard work paid off and he moved up to NEC’s senior squad. He spent several seasons with the team in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football.

He split time as a backup and eventually as a starter, picking up valuable experience. Those years helped him develop his reflexes, organization, and cool head under pressure.

Key Achievements at NEC Nijmegen:

• Made pro debut at 19
• Notched multiple clean sheets in league play
• Caught the eye of Eredivisie clubs

FC Utrecht: Eredivisie Experience

Next up, Paes made the jump to FC Utrecht, stepping up to compete in the Eredivisie. Utrecht’s coaches saw his shot-stopping ability right away.

He faced some of the best attackers in the Netherlands. That gave him a crash course in handling pressure and managing defensive lines.

Injuries and competition kept him bouncing between the starting lineup and the bench, but those ups and downs made him tougher and more adaptable.

FC Utrecht Stats Table:

Season	Matches Played	Clean Sheets
2018-2019	20	5
2019-2020	18	4
2020-2021	11	3

His time at Utrecht sharpened his decision-making and distribution, setting him up for a move abroad.

Move to FC Dallas in MLS

Paes’s career took a new turn when he signed with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. He arrived on loan, then made it permanent, stepping straight into the starting role.

Dallas signed him through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027. That’s a clear sign they believe in him.

He didn’t waste any time showing his value. Paes grabbed the #1 jersey and took control of the box in MLS matches.

He hit a personal best with nine saves in a single game against LAFC in June 2024. That’s the kind of performance that gets you noticed.

He earned a spot in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game and Skills Challenge.

Recent FC Dallas Highlights:

• Locked down the starting job
• Set an MLS career-high for saves in 2024
• Picked for MLS All-Star honors

With his steady play, Paes looks set to be a Dallas mainstay for years to come.

FC Dallas: Current Role and Impact

Maarten Paes has brought consistency and sharp reflexes to the FC Dallas backline. You can feel his presence every match at Toyota Stadium.

He anchors the team’s defensive structure and steps up in big moments.

Joining FC Dallas and Adaptation

Paes joined FC Dallas in June 2022, swapping the Eredivisie for Major League Soccer. That’s a big leap, and he had to adapt fast, both on and off the field.

His comfort with the ball and command of the penalty area stood out right away. In the locker room, he fit in instantly, bringing European experience to the mix.

He talked defenders through set pieces and helped Dallas tighten up at the back. Even during those scorching Texas summers, Paes handled the pace and physicality of MLS.

He earned consistent starts, often bailing out his team with clutch saves. Coaches and teammates were quick to praise his quick reactions and game awareness.

Position as Starting Goalkeeper

When you watch Paes play, it’s clear why he’s FC Dallas’s #1. He won the starting job with more than just raw athleticism—he brings a calm, steady presence under pressure.

By 2024, he had established himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in the league. The All-Star selection was just the cherry on top.

He set a career-high with nine saves in a single match against LAFC. His save percentage ranks among the league’s best.

The trust between Paes and his defenders at Toyota Stadium is obvious every week.

Key 2024 Statistics at FC Dallas

Statistic	Value
Matches Played	27
Saves	89
Clean Sheets	8
Save Percentage	76%

These numbers show you a keeper who does more than just stop shots—he leads from the back.

Work at Toyota Stadium

Playing at Toyota Stadium isn’t easy. The Texas weather can be wild, and the crowds bring the noise.

Paes takes it all in stride, directing defenders and reading plays before they even develop. On home turf, he brings a sense of calm to the back line.

He’s vocal, quick to organize the defense, and launches attacks with pinpoint distribution. Visiting teams know they’re in for a long night when Paes is in goal.

Off the field, Paes connects with Dallas fans and works with youth players, building the club’s community. His experience and passion set a standard at Toyota Stadium.

Week after week, Paes turns Toyota Stadium into a fortress—one save and one command at a time. For Dallas, that kind of stability is gold.

Performance Highlights and Achievements

Maarten Paes has earned his reputation as one of MLS’s most reliable goalkeepers for FC Dallas. He brings skill, consistency, and a knack for delivering when it matters most, grabbing recognition at both club and league levels.

MLS All-Star Team Selections

You can see how far Paes has come in Major League Soccer with his selection to the 2024 MLS All-Star Team. That’s a huge milestone for any player—no question about it.

This honor puts him right up there among the league’s top performers, and you can tell coaches and peers respect him. Getting picked for the MLS All-Star Game really shows off his shot-stopping skills and his leadership in goal.

He jumped into the 2024 Skills Challenge, competing with the league’s best. That’s where you see who’s got the real talent.

Paes keeps delivering steady performances, commanding his area and talking to his defenders. His consistency? It’s something not many in MLS can match, and this All-Star nod just confirms his form.

MLS Save of the Year Nominations

Paes has pulled off saves that light up highlight reels and social media all season. You probably remember those moments—he stretches to tip shots wide or leaps into a crowd to punch away a dangerous cross.

He’s up for MLS Save of the Year, which really puts his athleticism and technique in the spotlight. Some of those diving stops have flat-out kept Dallas in tight games.

Fans and analysts keep talking about his sense of timing and his clean handling under pressure. These are the big moments that really matter for a keeper chasing league-wide recognition.

Notable Saves and Match Performances

Paes put on a show against LAFC on June 1, 2024, racking up a career-high nine saves in that match. That wasn’t just about flashy reflexes—it genuinely kept FC Dallas alive in a game that could’ve slipped away.

Key Match:

Date	Opponent	Saves	Result
June 1, 2024	LAFC	9	Draw

As the last line of defense, he faces pressure to make big stops in one-on-ones and set pieces. He’s had multiple games with clean sheets or where he kept the damage to a minimum during tough stretches.

Paes’s ability to step up in high-stress moments gives the defenders in front of him a real boost of confidence.

Team of the Matchday Honors

Week after week, Paes keeps showing up. He’s landed spots in the MLS Team of the Matchday several times, which highlights his outstanding efforts during individual rounds.

These honors go to players who stand out leaguewide in their positions each week. His high save counts and crucial interventions show he’s reliable, especially when Dallas faces heavy pressure.

If you’re following closely, you know these honors mean more than just numbers—they recognize his leadership and composure in big moments.

Being named to the Team of the Matchday cements Paes’ status as a top MLS keeper. His regular appearances on these lists just confirm his value for FC Dallas.

International Eligibility and Prospects

Maarten Paes now qualifies to represent Indonesia, giving the national team a new option at goalkeeper. This move puts him right in the mix for FIFA World Cup qualifiers and big tournaments in Asia.

Indonesia National Team Connection

He was born in the Netherlands but recently became an Indonesian citizen. That decision’s got the Indonesian football community buzzing.

Paes brings top-level experience from Europe and MLS. Indonesia gets rare access to a keeper who’s played in the Eredivisie and now stars for FC Dallas.

This move shows Indonesia wants to strengthen for bigger international competitions. For Paes, it’s a new chapter—he’s shifting his focus to a region where football is really on the rise.

You can dig deeper into his switch and growing connection to the Indonesia national team. His background and training make him one of the most experienced options available.

Potential for FIFA World Cup Participation

Indonesia hasn’t been a regular at the FIFA World Cup, but Paes could help change that. The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, so Asian countries have a better shot.

Paes’s international-level goalkeeping could make a difference in key qualifiers. His presence in goal adds stability and lifts the squad’s confidence on the big stage.

Indonesia’s past campaigns have struggled on defense. Paes’s experience could help turn that story around.

Here’s a look at some of his career stats:

Season	Club	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2021-2022	FC Utrecht	13	2
2022-2024	FC Dallas	60+	15+

With Paes in net, you have to think Indonesia can set their sights higher for World Cup qualification.

Asian Qualifiers and National Ambitions

The Asian qualifiers for 2026 will be a major test for Indonesia. You’ll see tough teams like China fighting for a spot.

Paes gives Indonesia an edge in a position where they’ve usually lacked depth. The team wants to reach at least the final round of qualifiers, which would be a huge step.

With Paes in goal, the team’s defensive performance can improve. He’ll set higher expectations and influence training standards, too.

If he settles in well, Indonesia could actually make real progress in those competitive Asian qualifiers. His presence signals that Indonesia is serious about raising its football profile.

Technical Skills and Playing Style

Maarten Paes stands out as FC Dallas’ main man in goal. He’s got the positioning, strong hands, and decision-making you want from your last line of defense.

He brings discipline and purpose to training and skills challenges.

Key Goalkeeping Attributes

You notice Paes’s height right away—he stands 6’3″ and uses his frame to cover angles and block shots. He’s quick off his line and reads the game well, cutting out through balls and limiting chances.

His reflexes really pop in high-pressure situations, like that nine-save performance against LAFC. He organizes defenders during set pieces and corners, commanding his box.

Here are some of his recent stats:

Stat	2024 Season
Saves	85
Clean Sheets	7
Save %	74%
Penalties Saved	2

Shot-stopping is his bread and butter, but his footwork lets him distribute and start counters.

Skills Challenge and Training Methods

Paes’s commitment to improvement stands out in training. He earned a spot in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, which highlights his technical ability under pressure.

He works on reaction speed, one-on-one drills, and catching tough shots. Paes also spends extra time on distribution—both long and short passes.

Video analysis helps him adjust positioning and anticipate strikers. He uses mental exercises to stay sharp for high-stress moments.

Controlling nerves is huge, and you can see how he stays focused from kickoff to the final whistle.

Notable Matches and Opponents

Paes has gone up against some of the league’s best strikers and shined in high-pressure cup matches. His record covers both league and tournament play, with big moments against star opponents.

Encounters with MLS Stars

As FC Dallas’s starting keeper, Paes has faced top MLS attackers, including global icons like Lionel Messi.

When Inter Miami came to town, all eyes were on Messi. Paes had to be at his best—his command and quick reflexes faced a real test.

These high profile matches gave him a valuable chance to show composure under the spotlight.

He’s also guarded the Dallas goal against proven scorers from LAFC, Seattle, and Philly. His save percentage stays near the top in the Western Conference, showing he can handle heavy attacks.

Notable Stats:

Opponent	Matches Played	Goals Conceded	Notable Moments
Inter Miami	2	3	Save vs. Messi’s free kick
LAFC	3	4	Penalty save vs. Vela
Seattle Sounders	3	2	Clean sheet at home

U.S. Open Cup Appearances

Paes has stepped up in the U.S. Open Cup, where every mistake can end your run. In these knockout matches, the pressure is something else.

During Dallas’s recent Open Cup runs, Paes made key saves in games that decided whether the club advanced. Whether facing lower division sides or MLS rivals, he’s shown a real commitment to his craft.

He even made a diving stop in a tense penalty shootout to help Dallas move on. These Cup matches test his leadership and focus in ways regular season games just don’t.

Key U.S. Open Cup Performances:

• Third Round vs. USL opponent: 3 saves, 1 clean sheet
• Quarterfinal vs. MLS rival: Penalty shootout win, 2 penalty saves
• Semifinal appearance: 6 saves, 1 conceded

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Maarten Paes stands out not just for his goalkeeping, but for his impact in Dallas and his strong connections at FC Dallas. What he does off the pitch matters just as much as his on-field performance.

Community Involvement in Dallas

You notice quickly that Paes treats community engagement as a priority. After moving from the Netherlands, he made Dallas his second home and regularly shows up at local events and youth soccer programs.

Fans spot him at FC Dallas clinics, helping young goalkeepers with their game and confidence. His approachable style makes him a favorite during school visits and charity drives.

Paes supports organizations focused on sports access for underprivileged kids. Through the club, he volunteers at food banks, visits hospitals, and joins fundraising efforts.

By connecting with fans off the field, he strengthens the bond between FC Dallas and its supporters. For Paes, showing up for Dallas means more than just playing in the stadium.

Recent FC Dallas Community Events

Event	Date	Paes’ Role
Soccer Clinic for Youth	May 2025	Instructor
Local Food Bank Drive	March 2025	Volunteer
School Outreach Program	January 2025	Guest Speaker

Relationship with Teammates

Inside the FC Dallas locker room, Paes is a steady presence. He keeps a healthy competition going with Antonio Carrera, the club’s other up-and-coming keeper, but still offers guidance and support.

Paes shares training tips, especially with the younger guys looking to find their place on the team. Teammates mention his positive influence—he organizes team breakfasts and film sessions to help keep the group tight.

When new international players arrive, Paes welcomes them, drawing from his own experience adapting to a new country. Through these daily habits, he sets a high standard for friendship and professionalism.

His efforts make sure both veterans and newcomers feel included and valued.

Physical Profile and Personal Statistics

Maarten Paes stands out for his imposing frame and presence on the pitch. His physical qualities and his role as FC Dallas’s goalkeeper really help define his place in Major League Soccer.

Height and Physical Attributes

Standing at 1.92 meters (around 6 feet 4 inches), Maarten Paes brings an edge that not many keepers can boast. You can see his reach in action—he commands the penalty area, stretches for those impossible saves, and covers the goal in those tense one-on-one moments.

You’ll spot his long arms and those lightning-quick reflexes—honestly, they define his style. He looks comfortable out there, doesn’t he?

Here’s a quick look at his physical stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	1.92 m
Dominant Foot	Right
Birth Year	1998
Nationality	Netherlands, Indonesia

Paes uses his frame to dominate in the air, especially when set pieces come flying in. He’s got surprising agility for a guy his size, reacting fast but never losing control of his box.

When he dives or comes out for a cross, you see that blend of length and athleticism. That’s what makes him a standout among keepers in the league.

If you want to dig deeper into his physical profile, check out Transfermarkt’s Maarten Paes profile.

Jersey Number and Identity

Maarten Paes rocks the #1 jersey for FC Dallas. That number—let’s be honest—just screams starting goalkeeper.

You see #1 out there, and you immediately think, “That’s the guy holding it down between the posts.” It’s not just a number; it’s a statement.

Paes doesn’t just wear #1 for the tradition. He embraces the pressure and the pride that comes with being the last line of defense.

Fans? They instantly connect his saves and his presence with the backbone of the team. When FC Dallas steps onto the pitch, his voice and leadership echo from the back.

If you’re curious about his jersey details or want to check out his profile, you can head over to the official FC Dallas Maarten Paes page.