FC Dallas releases homegrown icon Paxton Pomykal

Pomykal reflects on 'long ride' with club as he departs after over a decade

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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FC Dallas has announced the release of longtime midfielder Paxton Pomykal, one of the club's most iconic homegrown players. Pomykal, a Lewisville native, signed with FC Dallas in 2016 and made his MLS debut six months later, becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for the club at just 17 years old. After over a decade with the team, Pomykal is now departing, reflecting on his journey and the adversity he faced in recent years due to injury.

Why it matters

Pomykal's departure marks the end of an era for FC Dallas, as the club loses one of its most recognizable homegrown talents. His impact extended beyond the MLS, as he also captained the U.S. U-20 men's national team and earned senior USMNT call-ups. The announcement comes as FC Dallas prepares to open its 2026 season, making Pomykal's exit particularly bittersweet for the club and its fans.

The details

Pomykal signed as FC Dallas' 15th homegrown player in September 2016 and made his MLS debut six months later. He quickly made history, becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for the club at just 17 years and 84 days. The final years of his FC Dallas career were marked by adversity, as he suffered a knee injury in March 2024 that sidelined him for 434 days. He eventually returned during the 2025 season but made only five appearances last year before playing his final match in October.

  • Pomykal signed as FC Dallas' 15th homegrown player in September 2016.
  • Pomykal made his MLS debut six months later in March 2017.
  • In March 2024, Pomykal suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for 434 days.
  • Pomykal returned during the 2025 season in a match against Real Salt Lake.
  • Pomykal made his final match for FC Dallas in October 2025, a 2–1 road win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The players

Paxton Pomykal

A midfielder who was one of FC Dallas' most iconic homegrown players, having signed with the club in 2016 and making his MLS debut six months later at just 17 years old.

Dan Hunt

The president of FC Dallas, who praised Pomykal's impact on and off the field during his time with the club.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Paxton Pomykal (dallasnews.com)

“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.”

— Paxton Pomykal (dallasnews.com)

“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.”

— Dan Hunt, FC Dallas President (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The announcement of Pomykal's departure comes just as FC Dallas prepares to open its 2026 season, hosting Toronto FC Saturday at Toyota Stadium.

The takeaway

Pomykal's release marks the end of an era for FC Dallas, as the club loses one of its most recognizable homegrown talents. His impact extended beyond the MLS, and his departure is bittersweet for the club and its fans as they look to the future.