Marco Farfan FC Dallas Defender #4 Career Highlights and Impact

Alright, let’s talk about a standout defender in Major League Soccer—Marco Farfan, who’s really become a backbone for FC Dallas’ backline, locking down the left side with that number 4 jersey. He’s one of those younger veterans that somehow brings both experience and a spark of energy every single match.

You’ll see him with that calm presence and sharp positioning, making the team feel safer.

And hey, if you’ve caught any recent games, you probably noticed Farfan not just for his defensive skills but also his willingness to push forward when the moment calls for it.

Farfan grew up in Portland, Oregon, but he’s made himself a reliable starter for Dallas pretty quickly. He’s now right up there among the league’s top fullbacks.

If you’re a fan and want to know what he brings to each match, Farfan’s growth and current form deserve a closer look.

Here’s a quick snapshot of Marco Farfan’s current stats:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	FC Dallas	34	0	2

You might want to check out his official FC Dallas profile and see how this guy is quietly shaping the defense. He could be the unsung hero your team’s missing.

Profile of Marco Farfan

Marco Farfan stands out as a reliable defender. He’s proven himself in Major League Soccer, and his journey from Portland, Oregon, to the FC Dallas jersey really shows his determination and work ethic.

Full Name and Pronunciation

His full name? Marco Antonio Farfán. Say it like mar-ko fahr-fahn.

His first name’s easy, but that last name—soft ‘f’ sound, ending with ‘ahn,’ not ‘fan.’

Getting his name right matters, especially for announcers and fans who care about recognizing his background.

Date and Place of Birth

Marco Farfán was born on November 12, 1998. Right now, he’s in the prime of his career.

He’s a Portland, Oregon native. That city shaped his early soccer journey and laid the groundwork for his pro path.

Portland isn’t just where he’s from—it’s where he first hit the professional stage.

Detail	Information
Date of Birth	November 12, 1998
Place of Birth	Portland, Oregon, US
Current Age	26 (as of June 2025)

Citizenship and Nationality

Farfan holds U.S. citizenship. He also has Mexican roots, which adds another layer to his identity.

He’s eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico internationally, but he’s focused mainly on the American soccer system. This kind of background is pretty common in MLS these days.

If you’re into international soccer, you know how valuable that experience can be. Want more? His player profile on the FC Dallas site has more details.

Position and Playing Style

Marco Farfan brings steady defensive work and a real tactical understanding to the back line. He’s usually out there on the left, using his awareness and technical skills to influence the game.

Primary Position: Defender

You’ll almost always find Farfan as a left-sided defender for FC Dallas. His job starts with protecting his own goal, but he’s also got to help the team play out from the back.

Left-back is his main gig—he covers the whole flank, tracks those speedy wingers, and stops dangerous crosses. Sometimes, when the team needs it, he’ll fill in at center-back, but left-back is where he shines.

He’s disciplined in his positioning and rarely gets caught out during defensive transitions. Farfan’s defensive awareness stands out—he reads the game and spots threats before they turn into real problems.

Left-Back and Other Roles

Farfan’s left-footed, which fits his spot on the left. He’s recognized as a left-back, but sometimes he’ll shift to left midfield or even center-back if injuries or tactics call for it.

He’s comfortable on the ball under pressure, and that left foot helps Dallas build attacks from the back. As a left-back, he likes to overlap and whip in low crosses, but defense always comes first.

Position	Games Played	Minutes Played
Left-Back	80+	6,500+
Centre-Back	8	585
Left Midfield	4	210

His versatility gives Dallas options against all kinds of opponents. But yeah, you’ll mostly see him at left-back.

Skills and Attributes

Farfan stands out for his stamina and consistency. He covers a ton of ground every match, usually clocking big running stats as he moves up and down the pitch.

His tackling’s well-timed—he doesn’t give away silly fouls in bad spots. He prefers that left foot for passes and clearances, which keeps things predictable and safe at the back.

He pays close attention to positioning, always keeping enough space to intercept passes or shut down dribblers. His passing is accurate, especially when he needs to keep possession or play into midfield.

He’s not flashy, but you can count on Farfan to get his job done and keep FC Dallas steady in defense.

For more details and stats, check his FC Dallas profile or the player statistics summary.

FC Dallas and MLS Career

Marco Farfan’s time at FC Dallas really centers on consistency, adaptability, and big contributions from that left-back spot. He’s played crucial roles on defense and in moving the ball forward, locking in his place as a mainstay for one of MLS’s historic clubs.

Joining FC Dallas

You might recall that Farfan joined FC Dallas after stints with the Portland Timbers and LAFC. He arrived ahead of the 2022 season, already known as a tough, disciplined, and reliable defender.

Farfan grabbed the iconic #4 shirt—a number that often goes to leaders on the back line.

He adjusted fast, fitting into the squad at Toyota Stadium and racking up important minutes right away. Dallas brought him in for stability and a solid left-footed option in defense.

His background as a former homegrown signing in Portland gave him a strong base to build on with Dallas.

Appearances and Performance at FC Dallas

Since joining, Farfan’s made a real impact with steady appearances in the starting eleven. He’s reliable and keeps himself ready for selection, featuring in most MLS regular season games.

Here’s a quick look at his recent stats with FC Dallas:

Season	MLS Appearances	Minutes Played	Assists	Clean Sheets
2022	33	2800+	2	9
2023	32	2900+	1	10
2024 (ongoing)	—	—	—	—

His high minutes show that the Dallas coaching staff trusts him, game after game. You can expect him to keep that up this season.

Role in the Squad

At FC Dallas, Farfan does more than just defend. He gets involved in build-up play, connects passes from the back, and sometimes pushes forward to join the attack.

Coaches love his ability to read the game, cover space, and win back possession when needed.

His positioning is especially noticeable when Dallas faces high-pressing teams, both at home and on the road. Farfan helps keep the team’s shape during transitions, giving Dallas the flexibility to switch tactics on the fly.

That adaptability? It’s a big reason he’s become a regular starter in the number 4 shirt.

Key Matches and Highlights

During the 2023 MLS season, Farfan had some big moments—like making the MLS Team of the Matchday after a strong performance in Matchday 8. In that game against Real Salt Lake, he helped Dallas secure a 2-1 win, showing both defensive discipline and the ability to step up when it counts.

You can check out more about that game at the FC Dallas official site.

He’s also played full matches against tough conference opponents, helping the club keep clean sheets and close out tight games late in the season. These performances highlight his value, both in one-on-one defending and in shaping the team’s results across multiple MLS campaigns.

Career Achievements and Stats

Marco Farfan’s growth as a reliable left-back for FC Dallas is clear. His stats show off his defensive ability, passing, and consistency in the lineup.

Notable Assists and Goals

Defenders aren’t expected to score much, but Farfan’s still chipped in on the attack. Since turning pro, he’s picked up 4 goals and 11 assists across his club career.

Most of those assists come from sharp crosses and quick passes out on the left. In the 2025 MLS season, Farfan’s played 10 matches and given valuable support going forward.

Here’s a quick look at his offensive stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Career	236	4	11
2025	10	0	—

You can get the full breakdown of Farfan’s stats at FootyStats.

Game-Winning Contributions

Let’s talk about defense that flips a match—sometimes, it’s not about scoring, it’s about stopping the other guys. Farfan’s earned his stripes, making those game-saving tackles that leave fans on their feet.

In the crunch, Farfan steps up with key clearances and timely interceptions. He snagged a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday after a gritty 2-1 win, locking things down when it really counted.

His season’s packed with moments like these:

• Last-ditch blocks in closing minutes
• Crucial plays that protect slim leads
• Defensive stability during winning runs

You might not see these plays in the box score, but they’re the backbone of any winning squad. Dive deeper into his Matchday honors.

Minutes and Starts

Durability—now that’s a trait every coach loves. Farfan keeps racking up minutes for Dallas, showing off top-level fitness and proving his value every week.

He’s already made 10 starts in the 2025 season, and that trust from the coaching staff says a lot.

His career numbers? Check these out:

• 236 total appearances
• Over 200 starts
• A fixture in the starting lineup

That kind of reliability is gold for any club. If you want the full breakdown, you can catch it all on Farfan’s stats profile.

Previous Clubs and Transfers

Marco Farfan’s journey in pro soccer started in Portland and took him through LAFC before he landed at FC Dallas. His career path highlights both his growth and his adaptability as a defender.

Portland Timbers Tenure

Farfan kicked things off with the Portland Timbers. He signed his first contract as a Homegrown Player, becoming the youngest to do so with the Timbers’ MLS squad.

In Portland, Farfan’s work ethic and defensive chops really shined. He played in more than 40 matches for the senior team and spent time with Timbers 2 in the USL.

He adapted across the back line, picking up valuable experience early on. Portland’s coaching staff gave him real trust from the jump, and that foundation built his positional smarts.

Portland Timbers Stats

Seasons	Appearances	Assists	Goals
2017–2020	40+	2	0

LAFC and Trade Details

After Portland, Farfan made the move to LAFC, a club with eyes on the prize. LAFC brought him in ahead of 2021 to tighten up their left side.

He slotted in at left-back and even as a left-sided center-back. Farfan kept earning minutes, and his value ticked up—Transfermarkt has the numbers.

The trade sending Farfan to FC Dallas saw LAFC pick up veteran Ryan Hollingshead. That’s a swap showing both clubs believed in these defenders to fill big shoes.

LAFC Stats

Season	Appearances	Assists	Goals
2021	29	2	0

San Diego FC and San Jose Earthquakes

Farfan’s main stops are Portland, LAFC, and FC Dallas. There aren’t any official records tying him to San Diego FC or the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS.

If you’ve heard rumors, as of June 2025, the trusted sources like Transfermarkt don’t show those moves. His story’s still about Portland, LA, and Dallas.

Any news about future transfers? You’ll want to keep an eye on official league and team updates.

Youth Development and Early Career

Marco Farfan’s soccer roots run deep. From local youth teams to a pro contract, his path shows a steady climb and plenty of recognition.

Timbers Academy Background

The Timbers Academy played a huge part in Farfan’s rise. That youth setup gave him a pro’s mindset early, and he got to train with top coaches.

He improved his defending and passing, facing off against tougher competition than most kids his age. High-stakes youth tournaments? Farfan was there, often lining up against older players.

His adaptability stood out, and coaches kept giving him tougher assignments. That responsibility helped him level up fast.

Notable Timbers Academy Achievements:

Year	Event	Highlight
2016	U-18 National Playoffs	Played full matches as starting left back
2016	Timbers 2 Call-Up	Appeared in USL games before turning 18

Homegrown Player Status

Homegrown status isn’t just a contract—it’s a sign your club believes in you. Portland made Farfan their first homegrown signing straight from the academy, which set the tone for their youth program.

The homegrown deal let Farfan start his pro career as a teenager. MLS teams reserve spots for these players, making it a solid path for young talent.

Farfan’s early games set an example for other academy kids. It also helped Portland build a real pipeline from the academy field to MLS matchdays.

Youth Clubs and Early Progress

Before the Academy, Farfan played for local Portland youth clubs. His coaches noticed his discipline and vision right away.

By junior high, he was already facing older opponents. Local club soccer sharpened his technical skills, and joining the Timbers Academy added tactical awareness and fitness.

His work ethic earned him invitations to training camps and elite showcases. By the time he signed a pro contract with the Timbers, he’d built a rock-solid foundation for MLS.

International Experience

Marco Farfan’s US national team journey shows steady involvement with both youth and senior squads. He’s had call-ups, training camps, and even an international debut, gaining valuable experience outside MLS.

US National Team Involvement

Farfan’s national team story starts with the U.S. youth squads—U-18 and U-19, especially. His play with the youth national teams boosted his profile and gave him a taste of international action.

His consistent MLS minutes at left-back caught the eye of the U.S. men’s national team coaches. That led to invitations to senior team training camps and even more exposure.

Here’s a quick look at his national team journey:

Year	Level	Details
2016	U-18	Attended youth camps, trained
2017	U-19	U.S. roster, international friendlies
2020	Senior	Invited to U.S. men’s camp

Senior Team Debut

Farfan got his first senior call-up with the U.S. men’s national team in December 2020. That camp focused on checking out domestic MLS talent, and Farfan made the cut.

He didn’t get on the field for an official match that window, but just being there showed national coaches were watching his club play. Training with the senior squad gave him a first-hand look at what it takes and put him in the mix for future call-ups.

International Tournaments

Farfan’s international tournament experience began at the youth level, mostly in friendly competitions and training events. He hasn’t featured in big tournaments like the Gold Cup, but those camps and friendlies matter.

His club form—think the MLS is Back Tournament—helped him get noticed. Those experiences prepped him for future senior appearances, whether with the U.S. or, maybe, El Salvador if that door ever opens.

Contracts and Player Representation

Marco Farfan’s current spot with FC Dallas shows a steady pro run, built on regular contract extensions and a clear commitment from the club. His representation and contract terms have a few twists that can shape his career and the team’s plans.

Contract Extensions and New Deals

You might’ve noticed that Farfan keeps earning new contracts and extensions. Most recently, he agreed to a three-year contract extension that keeps him in Dallas through 2026.

That move came after his transfer and shows the coaching staff and front office trust him. FC Dallas made sure to lock him down, cutting out any drama about his future.

In 2023, he led the team in games played, starts, and minutes. That kind of consistency makes him a key piece, both on the pitch and in the locker room. Get the full scoop on the FC Dallas player page.

Contract Length and Expiration

Farfan’s latest deal runs three years, through 2026, with a club option for an extra year. That’s a pretty standard MLS move for important players—keeps options open for both sides.

Here’s the breakdown:

Season	Contract Type	Expiration	Option
2022-2023	Initial Deal	End of 2023	N/A
2024-2026	Three-Year Extension	End of 2026	Club Option

Dallas extended Farfan’s deal early, avoiding last-minute negotiations or risking free agency. More details? Transfermarkt’s player profile has you covered.

Player Agent and Representation

Let’s talk about player agents for a second. These folks really shape a soccer player’s career, and they’re the ones handling those tricky negotiations and watching out for contract details. Farfan’s got PRO FC in his corner—a group that manages a bunch of MLS players.

That partnership means Farfan’s contracts and extensions usually work out well for both him and FC Dallas. Not bad, right?

Honestly, having the right agent can mean better pay, extra seasons, or just a smoother ride overall. Farfan’s agent works directly with FC Dallas, making sure everything fits league rules and team goals.

Off the field, representation matters, too. Agents help guide players through sponsorships and long-term plans, which can be a real maze. If you’re curious, you can check out his agent info over on Transfermarkt.

Physical Attributes and Personal Data

Marco Farfan brings a steady mix of physical presence and maturity to the left back spot. You can see his development as a player, thanks to both his build and years of professional experience.

Height and Physicality

Farfan stands at 1.75 meters—so, about 5’9”. That’s pretty standard for a modern fullback.

He’s not exactly towering over anyone, but his balance and quickness? Those give him a real shot in those tight one-on-one battles.

Farfan brings solid strength for a left back. He holds his ground whether he’s defending or pushing forward. Stamina’s a big part of his game, too. He covers a ton of ground over 90 minutes, matching up with speedy attackers and making those overlapping runs.

Here’s a quick look at Farfan’s key stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	1.75 m
Weight	68 kg
Dominant Foot	Left
Position	Left Back

All these qualities add up. Farfan stays a steady contributor along the FC Dallas back line, and you notice it every match.

Age and Development

Alright folks, Marco Farfan is 26 years old—right in that sweet spot where experience meets physical prime. Born November 12, 1998, he’s already packed in several years of MLS action since jumping into the league as a teenager.

He’s bounced around a few clubs and picked up international youth caps along the way. Farfan’s logged over 70 matches in Major League Soccer, and that kind of mileage gives him real poise when things get tight.

Right now, he’s got a contract with FC Dallas that runs through December 31, 2025. That sort of stability? It’s huge for a player’s growth and for fans who want to know what to expect as Farfan heads into his best years.

If you want to dive into the numbers, check out his player profile.