Petar Musa FC Dallas Forward #9 Season Performance and Impact

Alright, folks, if you’re searching for a fresh face making waves in Major League Soccer, you’ve got to check out Petar Musa. He’s the Croatian striker rocking #9 for FC Dallas. Musa wasted no time making a splash—he scored in his MLS debut and delivered the club’s first hat trick of the 2024 season. With that size, skill, and a nose for goal, you can’t help but keep an eye on this guy.

Born in 1998, Musa brings some serious international experience from Europe and the Croatia national team. Every time he steps on the field, you can feel the expectations rise. FC Dallas broke the bank to bring him in, and wow, he’s already showing why. Fans have started to realize just how much he can change the game. For more on Petar Musa’s background and stats, check out his FC Dallas profile or catch live match stats and highlights over on ESPN.

Let’s break down his start with Dallas:

Match	Date	Achievement
MLS Debut vs MTL	Mar 2, 2024	Scored first goal
vs MIN	Jun 19, 2024	Scored first hat trick

If you’re a fan who loves watching a forward take charge, tracking Petar Musa this season is a no-brainer.

Petar Musa: Player Profile

Petar Musa is a Croatian striker suiting up as FC Dallas’s number 9. His career path, his physical presence, and his attacking instincts all make him a guy you just have to watch in MLS.

Background and Place of Birth

Petar Musa’s story starts in Zagreb, Croatia. That city’s produced some real ballers over the years, and it’s got a soccer history all its own.

Growing up in the Croatian capital, Musa soaked up that soccer culture. Zagreb’s youth players focus on ball control, quick moves, and adaptability from the start. That background shaped how Musa reads the game and finds those little pockets as a forward.

It also helped him stand out early and paved the way for his moves across European leagues before he landed in the U.S.

Date of Birth and Age

Petar Musa came into the world on March 4, 1998. At 27, he’s right in that sweet spot—old enough to know the ropes, young enough to be at his physical peak.

Here’s a quick look:

Attribute	Value
Date of Birth	March 4, 1998
Current Age	27

You get a player who mixes youthful energy with the wisdom of experience. FC Dallas can count on Musa’s instincts and drive as he leads the line through a long, grinding MLS season.

He’s also got enough years to mentor the younger guys while still being quick and agile enough to take on the league’s best defenders.

Height and Physical Attributes

Musa stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches and tips the scales at around 185 pounds. That’s the kind of size teams love in a striker.

His height gives him an edge on set pieces and in the air. You’ll notice right away how he uses his frame to shield the ball and keep defenders at bay.

His physical presence lets him hold up play, link up with midfielders, or bring wingers into the action. But he’s not just a big target—he’s surprisingly nimble, making those late runs into the box.

Defenders in MLS are figuring out that Musa’s strength, mixed with his quick feet, is a real headache—especially in the penalty area.

Playing Position and Style

Usually, you’ll see Musa leading the line as a classic striker. But don’t box him in—he’s not just a poacher.

He plays as a center-forward, often dropping back to connect with teammates and keep things moving. Musa’s versatility lets him slide into a support role or drift wide if the game calls for it.

As a Croatian forward, he brings that European tactical smarts, great movement, and a killer finish. He scores with both feet and isn’t shy about making those darting runs behind defenders.

You see a player who steps up in big moments, switching between goal-scorer and playmaker as needed. For more on his role, check his stats and game logs on the official FC Dallas website.

FC Dallas and 2024 Season

Petar Musa’s first year with FC Dallas? It’s been a wild ride, full of new challenges and some serious highlights in Major League Soccer.

His arrival drew plenty of attention. He came in as a fresh transfer and turned himself into one of the most important forwards on the roster.

Transfer to FC Dallas

FC Dallas brought Musa in from Benfica in January 2024. This wasn’t just any signing—the club shelled out a record transfer fee, showing real faith in his scoring chops.

The deal made headlines around MLS. Dallas doesn’t usually make such bold moves with their wallet.

Musa arrived with a strong European resume after stints in Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. Fans hoped he’d bring more goals to the regular season, and so far, he’s fit right into the team’s attacking plans.

His speed, finishing, and movement quickly made him the focal point of the Dallas attack. If you want to dig deeper, read about his journey at FC Dallas.

Designated Player Status and Contract

FC Dallas locked Musa down long-term with a four-year deal and handed him a Designated Player slot. In MLS, that means you can sign top talent and work around the salary cap.

Musa’s contract made sure he’d be a cornerstone for years to come. His Designated Player status took off the salary restrictions, letting Dallas spend big to keep him in Texas during his prime.

Here’s a quick contract snapshot:

Contract Detail	Value
Length	4 years
Designated Player Status	Yes
Reported Transfer Fee	Club-record (undisclosed)

That kind of investment tells you everything about how much the club values his skills and expects him to deliver in MLS.

Debut Season Highlights

Right away, Musa found his stride in MLS. By the halfway mark, he’d racked up goals and assists, putting him near the top of Dallas’s stat sheet.

He had a multi-goal game and a handful of key assists. One of his best moments came against Austin FC—he scored and broke a club record for goals in a short span, turning heads across the league.

For a quick recap, check this match highlight.

Here’s what his 2024 numbers look like:

Stat	Value
Goals	11
Assists	3
Minutes Played	2,597
Matches Played	28

Those stats show just how much he’s contributed as a new arrival.

Impact on Squad and Playoffs

Musa really changed the way FC Dallas attacks. He finds space, holds up play, and creates chances, making things easier for the wingers and midfielders.

He’s led by example on the pitch and stepped up vocally in the locker room, embracing his role as a team leader. Get the full story on his leadership at Dallas News.

With Musa leading the line, FC Dallas moved closer to playoff contention. He’s scored important goals in tight matches, coming through in clutch moments when the team needed it most.

His steady contributions could be the difference as FC Dallas fights to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Goal-Scoring and Performance

Petar Musa’s impact at FC Dallas comes down to his finishing, his presence in the box, and his ability to show up when it matters. His stats tell the story—he’s valuable and knows how to swing a match.

MLS Goals and Assists

Musa has become one of the reliable forwards on this squad, chipping in with goals and assists. In the 2025 MLS season, he’s played 14 matches and found the net 3 times for FC Dallas.

He’s not leading the league in goals, but his game is about more than just scoring.

Musa’s vision sets up teammates and adds assists to his value. He often starts attacking moves, especially when Dallas flips defense into offense.

The team looks to him as both a finisher and a provider, especially in big moments.

Stat	Number
Appearances	14
Goals	3
Assists	1
Goals/Match	0.21

Those numbers are solid, especially when you factor in his movement and positioning. His mix of scoring and playmaking gives Dallas a more unpredictable attack.

Top Goal Scorers and Hat Tricks

Musa’s a key part of the attack, but he hasn’t bagged a hat trick for FC Dallas yet. His impact shows up game after game, not just in single explosive outings.

He’s one of the main threats, but he’s not topping the league’s scoring charts.

FC Dallas has always spread the goals around. Musa fits right in, constantly getting into scoring positions, even if the big hat trick moment hasn’t come.

When you scan the team’s scoring charts, Musa’s name pops up, but others have more goals or multiple hat tricks.

Still, Musa keeps defenders honest and creates space for other attackers. His steady output keeps FC Dallas dangerous in every situation, even if he’s not grabbing all the headlines.

Notable Matches and Highlights

There have been matches this season where Musa’s quality really stood out. In a 4-2 win over Sporting Kansas City, Musa played a huge role up front, earning a 7.5 player rating.

Moments like that show his ability to step up when the lights are brightest.

Game highlights often feature his sharp movement, knack for finding space, and his ability to draw defenders—opening up attacking chances for Dallas.

You’ll see him involved in the buildup to key goals and always in the right spot to make a difference.

His performances in these matches show why coaches and teammates trust him so much.

For a closer look at his match logs, ratings, and highlights, check out Sofascore.

Appearances and Minutes Played

Musa keeps showing up week after week for FC Dallas in the 2025 MLS season. He’s got 14 league appearances so far, and you just expect to see him in the starting lineup or coming off the bench when the game’s on the line.

He puts in the minutes, and it’s clear the coaches trust him. Even on nights when he doesn’t score, he’s hustling, pressing, and making life tough for defenders.

When the team needs a spark late in a close match, they often turn to Musa. He reads the game well, finds those little pockets in the final third, and gives Dallas another gear.

If you’re keeping tabs on Musa, his steady spot in the Dallas lineup says a lot about his durability and the faith the staff has in him. You can find more stats and match logs on the FC Dallas official stats page.

International Career

Petar Musa’s journey with the Croatian national teams covers both youth and senior levels. He’s made debuts in official matches, worked his way up through the youth squads, and played in some big qualifying rounds.

Croatia National Team Involvement

You might know Musa for his work at FC Dallas, but he’s also made a name for himself with Croatia. He earned his first senior cap for Croatia in March 2023.

Since then, he’s made several appearances for the senior team, bringing energy and physicality up top. Coaches usually use him as a center-forward, and he uses his size to batter tight defenses.

He hasn’t locked down a regular starting spot, but his ability to come up big in key moments keeps him in the mix. Musa’s still adding to his international resume, and every cap helps his reputation grow.

Year	Team	Caps	Goals
2023–	Croatia	6	0

Youth International Experience

Musa kicked off his international career with the Croatian youth teams. Back in 2015, he played for the U18 squad and picked up three caps.

His early performances showed he had something special, and it helped him move up the ladder. Musa then joined the U21s, where he got into 20 matches and faced tough competition across Europe.

Those years with the U21s really sharpened his game. He learned how to move off the ball, work with teammates, and handle the pressure of international football.

European Qualifiers and Global Competitions

When Croatia needs another option up front in qualifiers, Musa’s often the guy they call. He’s made appearances in key European Qualifiers, giving the team some depth in attack.

His physical play and confidence fit right into Croatia’s tactical setup. While he hasn’t played at a big tournament like the World Cup or Euros yet, his work in qualifiers keeps him on the radar.

Regular training camps and friendlies keep building his international experience. Musa gives Croatia some flexibility with their roster and could sneak into a big tournament squad soon.

For more on Musa’s career, check out his player profile and the latest national team updates.

Previous Clubs and Career Path

Petar Musa’s rise from youth academies in Croatia to top European leagues really tells the story of his steady climb. He’s turned into a reliable goal scorer, played top-flight football in a few countries, and brought those talents to MLS.

Early Years and Youth Career

Musa started out in Croatia, working his way through NK Zagreb’s youth system. Scouts noticed his height and skill as a center forward early on.

He got his first pro minutes with NK Zagreb, then went on loan to Hrvatski Dragovoljac. Those early seasons really helped him develop his technique and game sense.

After that, his goal scoring and adaptability opened doors to bigger clubs outside Croatia.

European Clubs and Transfers

Once he left Croatia, Musa signed with Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic. His form there earned him a move to Slavia Prague, one of the Czech league’s top teams.

He kept progressing, helped Slavia win the league, and even played in the Czech Cup. Musa also spent time in Germany’s Bundesliga on loan with Union Berlin.

His minutes in Germany weren’t always high, but that experience was huge for his development. Later, he joined Boavista FC in Portugal on loan and showed he could adapt to new leagues.

Club	Years	League	Appearances	Goals
NK Zagreb	2015–2016	Croatia	24	6
Hrvatski Dragovoljac	2016–2017	Croatia (loan)	16	3
Slovan Liberec	2017–2018	Czech Republic	28	7
Slavia Prague	2018–2022	Czech Republic	54	19
Union Berlin	2021	Bundesliga (loan)	14	1
Boavista	2021–2022	Portugal (loan)	26	10

Primeira Liga and Boavista FC

A lot of folks remember Musa best for his run in the Primeira Liga. He joined Boavista FC on loan and quickly became their top scorer.

His goals in Portugal got him noticed, and before long, S.L. Benfica came calling. At Benfica, Musa lined up with some real talents and got to play in European competitions.

His time in Portugal proved he could handle the pressure and perform in tough leagues. That run helped him land a move to FC Dallas for a club-record fee.

It’s been a steady climb for Musa, and by the time he joined MLS, he was already an experienced striker.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

Petar Musa’s impact at FC Dallas shows up in the awards and records he’s picked up. He’s really made his mark against strong MLS competition.

MLS All-Star and Awards

Musa wasted no time making a name for himself in the league. His consistent goal scoring and key performances quickly stood out.

He earned some big honors early, including All-Star selection and multiple Player of the Month nominations. Fans and coaches noticed how he steps up in big moments.

Here’s a quick look at some of his awards:

Award	Year	Details
MLS All-Star	2024	Selected as All-Star
Player of the Month	2024	Multiple nominations
Team MVP Candidate	2024	Main contender

That’s the kind of recognition you want from a new signing.

Records and Historic Moments

Musa wasted no time setting records in Dallas. He scored 8 goals in his first 7 games, breaking the club record for a new signing, according to MLS Multiplex.

It’s not often you see a player hit the ground running like that in a new league. Musa’s goal streak set him apart in FC Dallas history.

Those early goals came against some pretty tough defenses, too. Here’s how the numbers look:

Statistic	Value
Goals in 7 games	8
Fastest to 8 goals	Yes
Historic debut run	Yes

It’s safe to say Musa’s already in the conversation for most impactful MLS newcomers.

Player Details and Registration

To suit up as a top forward in MLS, Petar Musa had to clear some league and immigration hurdles. There’s a lot that goes into getting a player like Musa officially on the FC Dallas roster.

P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate

International players need the right paperwork to play in the U.S. Musa got approved for a P-1 visa, which is for athletes recognized worldwide.

The P-1 lets you live and work in the States as long as you’re under contract and meet the requirements. Another key piece is the International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

FC Dallas secured Musa’s ITC when he moved from Benfica. FIFA and U.S. Soccer handle the ITC to keep transfers above board.

Both the P-1 visa and ITC have to be in place before a player can get on the field or even practice. No shortcuts there.

Discovery Priority and General Allocation Money

MLS has some unique rules for signing international players. Discovery Priority lets a team claim interest in a player before anyone else.

For Musa, Dallas filed a Discovery claim, locking in his MLS rights. General Allocation Money (GAM) is another MLS quirk.

Teams use GAM to offset a player’s salary cap hit or help with transfer fees. Dallas likely used some GAM to fit Musa’s pay under the league’s rules.

It’s all about keeping things competitive and making sure teams can bring in top talent.

Bonuses and Contract Terms

When a player like Musa signs with MLS, the contract often includes performance bonuses. These bonuses reward goals, assists, appearances, and team success.

A typical deal has guaranteed salary, a signing bonus, and sometimes club or league options for extra years. Everything’s got to fit under the salary cap and league rules.

Here’s a basic look at what Musa’s contract might include:

Contract Element	Detail Example
Guaranteed Salary	$1,200,000 per year
Signing Bonus	$250,000
Performance Bonuses	$10,000 per goal
Appearance Bonus	$5,000 per match played
Team Success Bonus	$50,000 for playoff spot

The exact numbers are usually private, but these are the kinds of incentives you see in top MLS contracts. It’s all about rewarding performance and keeping both sides motivated.

Stadium, Team, and Fan Experience

Toyota Stadium brings the energy for FC Dallas games. The crowd gets loud, and the atmosphere can turn electric, especially for rivalry matches or big moments.

Whether you’re a die-hard or just checking out a game, knowing how to get tickets and what to expect can make all the difference on match day.

Toyota Stadium and Home Matches

You’re gonna catch Petar Musa and FC Dallas in action at Toyota Stadium, right up in Frisco, Texas. The place seats about 20,500 and, with its natural grass, gives you that real-deal soccer feel.

Honestly, the vibe there? It’s lively and super family-friendly. Supporters’ groups like the Dallas Beer Guardians bring the noise, and those sidelines fill up fast, especially when big teams like Sporting Kansas City roll into town.

You’ll find food, drinks, and team gear all over the stadium. Fans can get in and out pretty easily since parking is everywhere and the entrances move people along quickly.

If you want to soak up the best atmosphere, get there early. The outdoor fan zones and pre-game festivities are worth it. Stadium announcements and commentary are all in English, so you won’t miss a beat.

Key Fixtures and Ticket Information

The 2025 season? Oh, it’s loaded with big games in Frisco. Matches against San Diego FC and Sporting Kansas City? Those will sell out fast. So, if you want in, grab your tickets early at Vivid Seats or the FC Dallas site.

Sample Key Fixture Table:

Opponent	Date	Notable Players	Ticket Availability
San Diego FC	July 12, 2025	New expansion side	Limited
Sporting Kansas City	August 9, 2025	Traditional rival	Few left
Austin FC	September 20, 2025	Regional rivalry	Good

Ticket prices jump up for rivalry games and Saturday nights, but you can still find deals if you look around. Mobile tickets are the standard now, so entry’s a breeze.

If you want the best view of Musa’s magic, snag seats behind the goal or close to the pitch. That’s where the action is.

Notable Rivalries and Opponents

FC Dallas fans always circle certain games every year. Sporting Kansas City? That’s a rivalry built over years of close, heated matches.

Austin FC brings out the passion, too. The crowds get rowdy, the chants get loud, and the energy is just different.

San Diego FC might be new, but they’re already making noise. When they come to Frisco, you can feel the buzz—everyone wants to see how the matchup plays out.

These games? They crank up attendance and turn Toyota Stadium into a real spectacle. If you want playoff vibes and memories that stick, these are the ones you don’t want to miss.

Media and Highlights

You can check out Petar Musa’s highlights and stats through match videos and recaps. Major soccer news outlets and FC Dallas’s own channels break down his big moments, and interviews give you a peek behind the curtain.

Videos and Game Footage

Want to see Musa in action? Dive into game highlights and video clips. His “golazo” against Los Angeles? That’s a must-watch if you want to see what he can do under pressure.

You’ll spot his sharp runs, how he reads defenses, and some slick assists in those clips. FC Dallas and ESPN keep fans posted with his best plays—touches in the box, hold-up play, you name it.

You can even catch full-match highlights if you really want to study his style. Here’s a quick stat snapshot:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	20	4	3

Those numbers line up with what you’ll see in the latest highlight reels.

Interviews and News Coverage

You’ll find plenty of coverage about Musa off the field, too. ESPN’s FC Dallas player profile keeps you updated with news and articles about his performances.

Coaches and Musa himself share insights about his move from Benfica to MLS. You might catch post-match interviews and pressers on the FC Dallas site, where Musa talks tactics and adapting to the league.

Local and national outlets pick up on his big moments, like when he gets Player of the Matchday on MLS’s official site. Hearing from Musa, even just a quick sound bite, gives you a sense of his mindset and what he wants to achieve with Dallas.

Related Players and Figures

When you’re looking at Petar Musa’s impact, you can’t ignore the people around him. His teammates and coaches have shaped his role and helped him put up those strong numbers.

Teammates and Notable Figures

A club only goes as far as its chemistry, right? Musa clicked right away with goalkeeper Maarten Paes, who leads from the back and keeps things steady for Dallas. Paes commands his box and starts those quick breaks that let Musa attack.

In midfield, guys like Paxton Pomykal and some new faces help Musa get the ball in dangerous spots. Those connections helped Musa lead Dallas in goals for 2024, including a hat trick against Minnesota and a debut goal against Montreal.

Quick Stats

Player	2024 Goals	Assists	Matches Played
Petar Musa	16	5	24
Maarten Paes	—	—	23 (GK)
Paxton Pomykal	3	7	22

Influential Coaches

Let’s talk about the coaches shaping Musa’s game—these folks matter more than you might think. In Dallas, the staff really leans into attacking flair and, honestly, they love a guy who can finish efficiently.

They push tactical versatility, giving Musa the green light to use his height and skill up front. You can see him adapting, trying new things, and growing into his role as a forward.

Trainers and goalkeeping coaches, especially those working with Maarten Paes, put in the hours to keep the whole squad on the same page. That’s the kind of cohesion you just can’t fake.

Musa’s stints across European leagues exposed him to all sorts of coaching philosophies. That experience helped him settle fast in Dallas, where he turned in a club-record debut season.

With all that knowledge and some pretty creative training routines, Musa and his teammates get the tools to push their limits every single match. Isn’t that what you want to see?