The career of one of FC Dallas’ most iconic homegrown players has officially come to a close.
The club announced Thursday that it has exercised a buyout on the guaranteed contract of midfielder Paxton Pomykal, ending a tenure that spanned more than a decade.
Pomykal signed as FC Dallas’ 15th homegrown player in September 2016 and made his MLS debut six months later.
The Lewisville native quickly made history, becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for the club at just 17 years and 84 days.
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In a statement released by the team, Pomykal reflected on his long journey with the Frisco-based team.
“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,” he said.
The final years of his FC Dallas career were marked by adversity. In March 2024, Pomykal suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for 434 days.
He eventually returned during the 2025 season in a match against Real Salt Lake.
Last season, he made five appearances and played his final match in October, a 2–1 road win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“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,” Pomykal said.
Pomykal’s impact extended well beyond MLS. Internationally, he captained the United States U‑20 men’s national team to the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Poland.
He earned his first senior call‑up later that year and added two more USMNT appearances in 2023.
At the youth level, he helped lead the FC Dallas Academy to the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup’s Gordon Jago Super Group title in 2017 and was named to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Central Conference Starting XI after contributing to both the U‑16 and U‑18 national championships.
Among FCD homegrowns, Pomykal ranks third all-time in appearances (131) and starts (91), fifth in minutes played (7,910) and second in assists (15).
“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,” FC Dallas President Dan Hunt said. “Paxton will always be part of FC Dallas history, and we’re grateful for the impact he made on and off the field.”
The announcement of Pomykal’s departure comes just as FC Dallas prepares to open its 2026 season, hosting Toronto FC Saturday at Toyota Stadium.
Pomykal said he will miss being part of the club but leaves with gratitude.
“I’m going to miss it, but I’m also thankful for the journey,” he said. “This is my home. Dallas will always be my family.”
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