FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 19, 2026) — FC Dallas officially closed a significant chapter in club history Thursday, announcing it has exercised a buyout on the guaranteed contract of Homegrown midfielder Paxton Pomykal. The move removes Pomykal from the club’s Senior roster and marks the end of a tenure that spanned nearly a decade, from academy standout to one of the most recognizable Homegrown players in franchise history.
Pomykal’s departure is rooted not in a lack of impact, but in a career repeatedly interrupted by injuries that ultimately limited his availability in recent seasons. Still, his legacy in Frisco remains firmly intact, shaped by early promise, sustained excellence at his peak, and resilience through adversity.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
A Lewisville native, Pomykal embodied the FC Dallas development pathway. He signed as the club’s 15th Homegrown player on Sept. 8, 2016, and quickly made history. On March 11, 2017, he debuted in Major League Soccer in a scoreless draw against Sporting Kansas City, becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for FC Dallas at 17 years and 84 days. Wearing No. 19 in honor of club legend Bobby Rhine, Pomykal established himself as both a symbolic and competitive link between the club’s past and future.
At his peak, Pomykal was one of the most dynamic midfielders produced by the FC Dallas Academy. He led the team in appearances during the 2022 season and earned MLS All-Star honors in 2019 as a Commissioner’s Pick. Among Homegrowns in club history, Pomykal ranks third all-time in appearances (131) and starts (91), fifth in minutes played (7,910), and second in assists (15)—a statistical résumé that underscores his influence when healthy.
Internationally, Pomykal’s rise mirrored his club success. He captained the United States U-20 Men’s National Team at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, leading the side to the quarterfinals. Later that year, he earned his first senior national team call-up and made his debut against Uruguay on Sept. 11, 2019. He added two more senior appearances in 2023, further validating his standing within the U.S. player pool.
However, injuries began to reshape Pomykal’s career trajectory. Multiple procedures in recent years limited his availability, culminating in a lengthy recovery from a knee injury suffered in March 2024. He returned to action on May 10, 2025, appearing in a 1–1 draw against Real Salt Lake after a 434-day absence. Pomykal went on to make five appearances during the 2025 season, with his final match coming Oct. 18 in a 2–1 road victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“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,” Pomykal said. “These past few years haven’t gone the way I hoped, but the club stood by me through every step of my rehab. This is my home. Dallas will always be my family.”
Beyond the first team, Pomykal’s impact was felt throughout the FC Dallas ecosystem. At the academy level, he helped the program win the 2017 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Gordon Jago Super Group and earned selection to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Central Conference Starting XI.
While his playing days in Dallas have come to an end, Pomykal’s imprint on the club remains permanent. His story—defined by opportunity, excellence, and perseverance—stands as a testament to the FC Dallas Homegrown pathway and the human side of professional sport.
Transaction: FC Dallas has exercised a buyout on the guaranteed contract of Homegrown midfielder Paxton Pomykal.
