On February 19, 2026, FC Dallas decided to exercise a buyout on the guaranteed contract of their Homegrown midfielder, Paxton Pomykal, removing him from the team’s Senior roster. This move marks the conclusion of Pomykal’s time as an active member of the club, with implications for both the player’s career and the team’s roster dynamics.
Pomykal’s Journey and Return from Injury
After suffering a knee injury in March 2024, Pomykal endured a 434-day recovery before making his return to the field on May 10, 2025, during a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake. Throughout the 2025 season, he appeared in five matches, playing his final game on October 18, 2025, when FC Dallas secured a 2-1 road victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Despite battling setbacks, Pomykal showed determination during his comeback efforts.
Career Highlights and Club Impact
As one of the most accomplished Homegrown players in FC Dallas history, Pomykal’s contributions are notable. He led the team in appearances during the 2022 season and earned a selection as a Commissioner’s Pick for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game. At age 17 years and 84 days, he became the youngest player to start a match for the club, and he currently holds rankings among Homegrowns with third place in appearances (131) and starts (91), fifth in minutes played (7,910), and second in assists (15).
Statements from FC Dallas Leadership and Pomykal
FC Dallas President Dan Hunt praised Pomykal’s character and contributions, saying,
“From the moment he stepped into our Academy, Paxton carried himself with a maturity beyond his years, a fierce competitiveness and real pride in representing this badge. Paxton will always be part of FC Dallas history, and we’re grateful for the impact he made on and off the field. We wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
Reflecting on his departure, Pomykal expressed mixed emotions:
“It’s been a long ride, and it’s sad to see it come to an end, but I’m genuinely grateful for every moment I’ve spent here. These past few years haven’t gone the way I hoped or the way anyone hoped, but the club stood by me through every step of my rehab and everything that came with it. I’m going to miss it, but I’m also thankful for the journey. This is my home. Dallas will always be my family. I have so much love for the fans, the club and my teammates, and I know they’re going to do great things. I’m really proud of the group we have, and that locker room is something I’ll miss deeply.”
Background and Achievements
Paxton Pomykal, a native of Lewisville, Texas, wore the No. 19 jersey in tribute to FC Dallas legend Bobby Rhine and signed with the club as their 15th Homegrown player on September 8, 2016. He made his Major League Soccer debut on March 11, 2017, in a goalless draw against Sporting Kansas City.
Internationally, Pomykal captained the United States U-20 men’s national soccer team to the quarterfinals at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. Later that year, he received his first senior team call-up and made his debut in the 85th minute against Uruguay on September 11, 2019. He also made two additional appearances for the senior national team in 2023.
At the youth level, Pomykal helped the FC Dallas Academy secure the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup’s Gordon Jago Super Group title in 2017. He was also named to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Central Conference Starting XI after playing significant roles in the U-16 and U-18 national championship victories.
What This Means for FC Dallas and Pomykal’s Future
The buyout of Pomykal’s guaranteed contract opens a Senior roster spot for FC Dallas, allowing the club to potentially bring in new talent as they plan for upcoming seasons. For Pomykal, this decision signals the end of a significant chapter with the club but also leaves room for new opportunities in his professional career. His journey, marked by resilience, leadership, and a strong connection to the club, highlights the impact of homegrown players in Major League Soccer and the ongoing evolution of FC Dallas.
