Maarten Paes FC Dallas Goalkeeper #1: Key Player Profile and 2025 Season Analysis

Maarten Paes stands tall as FC Dallas’ number one goalkeeper, impressing fans with his consistency and razor-sharp reflexes in Major League Soccer. Since he joined the squad, Paes has become the anchor for Dallas’ defense. He steps up in tough matches, pulling off big saves that have bailed the club out more than once.

If you’ve watched MLS lately, you’ve probably caught his name in the headlines for some jaw-dropping performances. He even snagged a spot in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. Not bad for a guy who’s always cool under pressure.

Born in the Netherlands, Paes now suits up for the Indonesia national team. He brings a wealth of international experience to every match. His calm presence and lightning-quick reactions have helped FC Dallas grab crucial points, even when the pressure’s on.

For fans trying to figure out why Paes matters so much, just check out his recent run of strong games. He’s earned that number one jersey, no question.

Take a look at some of his recent stats:

Season	Games Played	Saves	Clean Sheets
2024	20	78	6
2023	32	98	10
Career MLS	70	217	22

Want a deeper dive? Check out his official club profile.

FC Dallas Goalkeeper: Maarten Paes’ Role and Impact

When you watch Maarten Paes, you see a guy who commands the net for FC Dallas with steady hands and sharp reflexes. He leads from the back, making those big saves and setting the tone in both regular season and high-stakes matches.

Starting Goalkeeper Crew

Look at the FC Dallas lineup and you’ll spot Paes as the number one keeper right away. He’s not just a starter on paper—he’s the guy between the posts almost every week. That kind of reliability? It gives the team real confidence, knowing there’s an experienced shot-stopper behind them.

At 27, Paes already has solid international experience. Since he arrived in MLS, he’s faced some of the league’s best attacks and still manages to land among the top goalkeepers for saves and clean sheets.

The coaching staff leans on him to organize the back line. He handles the ball under pressure and keeps things moving.

Here are some of his big numbers so far for FC Dallas:

Stat	2024 Season	Career MLS Total
Appearances	32	74
Clean Sheets	12	23
Saves	97	234
Save Percentage	74%	72%

He’s pretty much the face of the back line. That’s a big reason Dallas stays in the mix season after season.

Defensive Leadership Qualities

Paes doesn’t just stand there—he’s constantly talking, directing, and keeping his defenders sharp. His voice carries, and he makes sure the back line knows where the threats are.

He steps up off the pitch, too. When Dallas hits a rough patch, he gathers the team and switches between English and Dutch, connecting with everyone on the squad. His new role with the Indonesia national team has only sharpened his approach. That international experience adds discipline and new ideas to the group.

Teammates say he stays calm, even when things get dicey. He’s quick to regroup the defense after a setback. That kind of stability? It’s priceless in those tight MLS matches where one save can mean everything.

Key Match Highlights

You want clutch? Paes has delivered. In the spring, he made a string of late-game stops to help Dallas grab a draw against the LA Galaxy and walked away with Man of the Match honors.

His double save in a 1-0 win over Austin FC? Pure reflexes and perfect positioning.

When the playoff race heated up, Paes stacked up clean sheets that kept Dallas in the chase. His game against Seattle—nine saves, some at full stretch—turned heads all over the league.

You can point to a bunch of Dallas’ best defensive games and see Paes’ fingerprints all over them. Every season, he seems to find another gear for the big moments. That’s why so many folks call him one of MLS’s most trusted keepers.

Recent Achievements and MLS Recognition

Maarten Paes has made a clear impact for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. Over the past year, he’s picked up league honors, played in elite showcases, and delivered against the best.

MLS All-Star Game Participation

You saw Paes earn his spot in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, July 24 in Columbus, Ohio. That selection capped off a season full of consistency and highlight-reel saves.

He went up against the Liga MX All-Stars and represented Dallas with real poise. This was his first All-Star call-up—a big milestone that shows just how far he’s come.

The league recognized his workload and influence, putting him right up there with the top keepers in MLS.

Stat	2024 Season*
Appearances	23
Saves	94
Clean Sheets	8
Save Percentage	77%

(*As of June 2025. For the latest, check the FC Dallas website.)

MLS Save of the Year Honors

Fans trust Paes for a reason. In May 2024, he made a wild double-save against LA Galaxy that won him the MLS Save of the Year.

That play changed the match and kept Dallas in the hunt. The league honored him in June, picking that moment as the best save all season.

You can find that double-save on just about every MLS highlight reel. It’s another reason Paes is the guy you want in net when it matters. Want more details? Check the full story on Sports Illustrated.

MLS All-Star Skills Challenge

At the 2024 All-Star festivities, Paes didn’t just watch—he competed in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. He went up against top players from both MLS and Liga MX.

Fans got to see him handle penalty shootouts, reflex drills, and distribution tests. It wasn’t just about saves—he showed off his all-around skills, and honestly, he put on a show.

His spot in the Skills Challenge put him among the league’s elite and highlighted why FC Dallas and MLS value him so much. Want to follow his All-Star journey? Head to the official FC Dallas site.

Professional Career Timeline

Maarten Paes’s journey from the Dutch leagues to MLS is a story of steady growth and grit. He’s played big roles at both club and international level, hitting key milestones along the way.

Eredivisie Roots at NEC Nijmegen

Maarten Paes started out in Nijmegen, Netherlands. He joined the NEC youth academy and quickly built a reputation for his shot-stopping and composure.

He made his professional debut with the senior team in the Eredivisie, the top flight in the Netherlands. Paes got a handful of first team matches, learning fast in high-pressure situations.

He faced some tough forwards—those early years shaped him. His performances at NEC put him on the national radar and caught the eye of bigger clubs.

Key club facts:

• Club: NEC Nijmegen
• Country: Netherlands
• League: Eredivisie
• Position: Goalkeeper

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2017-18	8	2

That foundation set him up for the next step.

Development at FC Utrecht

A move to FC Utrecht came next—a step up in competition. At Utrecht, Paes grew more confident as a goalkeeper. He handled both cup and league matches, gradually locking down his spot.

He worked with top coaches and teammates, sharpening his skills and understanding of the game. He played in Eredivisie and KNVB Cup matches, stepping up whenever Utrecht called on him.

This stint led to youth national team call-ups for the Netherlands. It was a time of steady progress and growing respect from coaches and analysts.

Key career highlights at FC Utrecht:

• Senior and reserve team play
• Dutch national youth team appearances

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2018-22	42	10

This phase helped Paes gear up for international opportunities.

Transition to Major League Soccer

In 2022, Maarten Paes made the leap to FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. He signed a permanent deal and quickly took over as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Dallas has leaned on his quick reflexes and big voice at the back. His performances have earned him a spot in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game and the Skills Challenge.

He’s also picked up recognition for a career-high nine-save game—just more proof he’s a top-tier goalkeeper in MLS. Even though he was born in the Netherlands, he now represents the Indonesia national team.

Recent achievements:

• Permanent FC Dallas contract through 2025
• MLS All-Star and Skills Challenge selection

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2022-25	85+	21

This chapter really shows how he’s adapted to a new league and culture, all while growing on the international stage.

International Journey and National Team Ambitions

Maarten Paes has made some big moves in his football career. He’s shifted his international allegiance and grabbed new opportunities along the way.

His Dutch roots and Eredivisie experience shaped his early journey, but his recent involvement with Indonesia adds a new twist to his ambitions.

Indonesia National Team Eligibility

All right, let’s get right to it—Maarten Paes is now eligible for the Indonesia national team. Born in the Netherlands, Paes wrapped up the process to gain Indonesian citizenship in 2024.

This move carries some real weight, giving him the chance to step in as Indonesia’s top goalkeeper. He’s right in the thick of a football program that’s hungry and growing fast in Southeast Asia.

Paes got his first national team call-up in early 2025. He joined the squad for World Cup Asian qualifiers against Australia and Bahrain—talk about a big leap in his international career.

It’s not every day you see a European-born player make this kind of switch. Honestly, Paes’s journey says a lot about how football stretches across borders these days.

Indonesia National Team Stats (as of July 2025):

Year	Caps	Clean Sheets	Major Matches
2025	4	2	World Cup Qualifiers (Australia, Bahrain)

Connection to Dutch Football

Growing up in the Netherlands, you’d expect Maarten Paes to have football in his bones. He spent his early years with FC Utrecht, racking up 48 matches and even representing the Dutch U-19 squad at the 2016 and 2017 European Under-19 Championships.

That Dutch upbringing shaped his instincts and skills. Sure, he never got the nod for the senior Netherlands squad, but his time in Dutch football built up his tactical awareness and ability to distribute the ball.

Those traits made him a steady presence at FC Dallas and now for Indonesia. His story shows the grit and ambition you need to make it on the international stage.

Prospects for International Tournaments

Paes’s future on the international scene is worth watching. Representing Indonesia opens the door for him to become a real standout in Asian football, especially with FIFA World Cup qualifiers and more on the horizon.

Indonesia’s building momentum, and Paes is right in the mix. His strong club performances point to him anchoring Indonesia’s defense in those pressure-packed qualifiers.

If Indonesia makes a run, you can bet his role will only get bigger. His rise matches Indonesia’s own ambitions—this is a team and a keeper looking to make headlines.

Technical Goalkeeping Profile and Playing Style

Let’s talk about what makes Maarten Paes tick between the posts. He’s got an athletic build, sharp reflexes, and a knack for being in the right spot.

As FC Dallas’ main man in goal, Paes leans on both his physical attributes and his mental game. MLS attackers have tested him plenty, and he’s shown he belongs.

Physical Attributes and Stats

First thing you notice—Paes has the size you want in a top keeper. He stands 6’2” (188 cm), which gives him a ton of reach.

At 26, he’s right in his prime. He’s listed at about 176 lbs (80 kg), so he can spring for those tough saves or come out strong on crosses.

Paes’s reflexes and flexibility really show when he’s diving for quick, low shots. He makes those tough stops look routine.

Here’s a quick glance at his 2024 MLS season:

Stat	Value
Appearances	34
Saves	108
Save Percentage	72%
Clean Sheets	10
Goals Against Average	1.25

Those numbers tell the story—Paes brings consistency and reliability. He’s stayed healthy and active, keeping FC Dallas steady at the back. You can check his full player profile and stats for more.

Key Goalkeeping Skills

Paes thrives under pressure, especially late in matches when things get tense. His shot-stopping ability is what really stands out.

He reacts quickly for low saves, reading both the ball and the striker’s intentions. He takes command of his box, organizing defenders during set pieces and open play.

His footwork stays clean and efficient. Paes anticipates crosses well, cutting them out before trouble starts.

Distribution? He’s solid there too. Whether he’s rolling the ball out calmly or launching a long clearance, he helps spark counter attacks.

When he faces players like Lionel Messi, he relies on sharp positioning and quick decisions. In big moments, he’s shown he can handle high-pressure situations and top-tier attackers.

Noteworthy Teammates and Competitors

Paes works closely with defenders like Nkosi Tafari and Marco Farfan. That defensive chemistry really helps shut down dangerous chances.

Backup keeper Michael Collodi keeps pushing Paes in training, making sure the whole GK unit stays sharp. That’s the kind of depth you need for a deep playoff run.

He’s tested himself against stars like Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. Facing world-class attackers keeps his reflexes sharp and pushes him to improve. When Dallas takes on top teams, Paes gets to show what he’s made of—and he’s proven he can hang with the best. For more, check his FC Dallas team page.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Maarten Paes doesn’t just make an impact on the field—he’s also building real connections off it. In Dallas, he’s active in the community and has built a loyal fan base.

Community Engagement in Dallas

You’ll often find Paes involved with local charities and youth programs. He visits Dallas-area schools, talking to kids about chasing their goals and working hard.

Young fans get to meet him, hear his story, and see what it takes to play at a high level.

Notable community involvement includes:

• Running soccer clinics for kids
• Supporting local fundraising events
• Teaming up with FC Dallas on outreach projects

His presence at these events really lifts spirits. Paes also promotes health and wellness, encouraging kids to get active and stay healthy.

He’s managed to bridge the gap between pro athletes and regular folks in Dallas. You’ll spot him at community gatherings or cheering on other local teams. For more, check out his key player profile.

Relationship with Fans

Let’s talk about Maarten Paes and his connection with FC Dallas fans. You can just tell he genuinely cares about those moments with supporters.

After matches, Paes usually sticks around for meet-and-greets. He’ll sign autographs, snap a few photos, and just hang out for a bit. That kind of face-to-face time? It really sticks with people.

He jumps on social media pretty regularly, too. You’ll catch glimpses of his training, his travels, and what life’s like for him in Dallas.

Fans seem to love these honest peeks into his world, both on and off the field.

Fan engagement examples:

• He hosts Q&A sessions online
• He answers messages and comments
• You’ll spot him at supporter group events, like tailgates or watch parties

Paes puts in the effort to really connect with folks, and it’s paid off. He’s built a loyal following, and a lot of supporters see him as a down-to-earth, approachable ambassador for soccer in Dallas.

Check out his player profile for more on his story.