Maarten Paes Best Saves in 2024
Maarten Paes Best Saves in 2024
Maarten Paes has become a pivotal figure in Indonesian football, captivating fans with his goalkeeping prowess and commitment to the national team. Born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on May 14, 1998, Paes's journey to representing Indonesia is rooted in his maternal grandmother, who was born in Kediri, East Java, when it was known as the Dutch East Indies. This heritage provided the eligibility for his naturalization, a process he undertook as a tribute to his late grandmother.
His early career saw him develop through the youth ranks of Dutch clubs, including VV Union and NEC Nijmegen. He then moved to FC Utrecht, where he made his senior debut in the Eredivisie in 2018. During his time at Utrecht, he also featured for Jong Utrecht, the club's reserve team, gaining valuable professional experience before making the leap to Major League Soccer (MLS).
In January 2022, Paes joined FC Dallas in the MLS on a six-month loan, which was made permanent in June of the same year. He quickly established himself as a key player for the American club, showcasing his skills as a commanding presence between the posts. His performances have been consistently strong, earning him recognition such as being named an MLS All-Star in 2024 and receiving the MLS Save of the Year award in the same year.
Paes's playing style is characterized by his impressive shot-stopping abilities, quick reflexes, and strong command of his penalty area. Standing at 1.91 meters (6 ft 3 in), he possesses the physical attributes of a modern goalkeeper, combined with good distribution skills. He is adept at making crucial saves in high-pressure situations, contributing significantly to his team's defensive solidity.
The process of his naturalization as an Indonesian citizen was completed on April 30, 2024, when he officially took the oath in Jakarta. This step was crucial for him to become eligible to play for the Indonesia national team. Although he had previously represented the Netherlands U19, U20, and U21 teams, including five appearances for the U21s, FIFA eventually approved his switch of allegiance after a lengthy process.
Maarten Paes made his much-anticipated debut for the Indonesia national team on September 5, 2024, in a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. In this debut, he famously saved a penalty from Salem Al-Dawsari, earning him the Man of the Match award and instantly endearing him to the Indonesian faithful. As of March 25, 2025, he has made 8 appearances for the Indonesian national team.
His decision to represent Indonesia was driven by a deep personal connection to his grandmother and a strong desire to contribute to the growth of football in the country. He has expressed ambitions of helping Indonesia qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup and putting the nation on the global football map, recognizing the immense potential and passion for the sport among Indonesia's nearly 300 million people.
Maarten Paes's journey is a testament to his dedication and the increasing global nature of football. Balancing his commitments with FC Dallas and the Indonesian national team, which involves significant transcontinental travel, he continues to demonstrate his professional approach, including employing a sleep coach to aid his recovery and preparation. His impact extends beyond the field, as he aims to be a leading example and positive influence for Indonesian football.