Maarten Paes Bio
Maarten Vincent Paes is a professional footballer from the Netherlands who plays as a goalkeeper. Born on May 14, 1998, in Nijmegen, he began his youth career at VV Union before moving to NEC. Over the years, he has played for various clubs, including FC Dallas and recently, Persib Bandung. Paes represents the Indonesia national team at the international level, having obtained Indonesian citizenship through his maternal grandmother. He made headlines during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, showcasing his talents as a key player.
Early Life and Background
Maarten Paes was born and raised in Nijmegen, Netherlands. His early exposure to football began at a young age when he joined VV Union, a local club, in 2009. After honing his skills there for several years, he transitioned to NEC, where he continued to develop his abilities as a goalkeeper. This formative period laid the foundation for his future career in professional football.
Path to Soccer
Paes’s journey in soccer began in earnest when he joined NEC’s youth academy. He made his senior debut with NEC in 2016, marking the start of his professional career. After two years with NEC, he moved to Jong Utrecht, where he gained valuable experience and further established himself as a promising goalkeeper. His performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to a significant opportunity with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.
Maarten Paes Career
Early Career (2016–2021)
Maarten Paes made his professional debut with NEC in the 2016 season. He served as a backup goalkeeper initially but gradually earned more playing time. In 2018, he joined Jong Utrecht, where he faced challenges, including injuries that affected his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he managed to showcase his talent and resilience, which ultimately led to his move to FC Dallas in 2022.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Paes joined FC Dallas on a six-month loan in January 2022, and his performances quickly impressed the coaching staff. By June 2022, Dallas exercised the option to make his transfer permanent. His time in MLS allowed him to gain significant exposure and experience in a competitive environment. In September 2024, he made his debut for the Indonesia national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he earned recognition for his outstanding performance.
Notable Works and Milestones
Maarten Paes’s career is marked by his transition from a promising youth player to a recognized professional goalkeeper. His notable achievements include his debut for the Indonesia national team and his impactful performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he was named man of the match against Saudi Arabia after saving a penalty.
Maarten Paes Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Maarten Paes has received recognition for his performances on the field, particularly during his time in the youth national teams and his club career.
Maarten Paes Awards Won
While specific awards won during his career are not detailed, Maarten Paes has achieved significant milestones, including his recent recognition in international competitions.
Maarten Paes Family
Information regarding Maarten Paes’s family is limited. He has a maternal grandmother from Indonesia, which has played a crucial role in his eligibility to represent the Indonesia national team.
Personal Life
Maarten Paes has made significant strides in his personal life, including obtaining Indonesian citizenship in April 2024. He also received a United States green card in March 2024, allowing him to reside permanently in the United States. This status has contributed to his eligibility as a domestic player in Major League Soccer.
