COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have made a significant move in the transfer market by signing U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Paxten Aaronson from Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt.
This marks a new chapter for Aaronson, who has officially joined the Rapids on a five-year contract that extends through 2030.
In a club-record transfer, Aaronson will take on a Designated Player slot on the Rapids’ roster, showcasing the team’s ambition to enhance their competitiveness.
Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Bringing Paxten to Colorado highlights our ambition and belief in his ability to impact our team immediately.”
Smith continued, emphasizing Aaronson’s valuable experience in Europe and international play: “He has proven himself in Europe, gained valuable experience on the international stage with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and brings a dynamic, creative presence to our midfield.
He is the exact type of young, hungry player we want to build around at this club, and we are delighted to welcome him to Colorado as we strengthen a team capable of competing at the highest level.”
Paxten Aaronson, a 21-year-old native of Medford, New Jersey, has showcased impressive talent during his career thus far.
He spent the 2024–25 season on loan at FC Utrecht in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, where he made significant strides by recording nine goals and six assists over 37 league appearances.
This breakout season earned him a nomination as a finalist for the prestigious Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award.
Prior to his time at Utrecht, Aaronson had a loan stint with Vitesse during the 2023–24 season, finishing that period with four goals from 14 appearances.
His move to Eintracht Frankfurt came in 2023 from the Philadelphia Union, where he made his Bundesliga debut in March against Union Berlin.
During his time with Frankfurt, he appeared in 23 matches, contributing one goal and three assists.
He also played a crucial role in the squad that finished as the runner-up in the 2022–23 DFB-Pokal and participated in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League.
Aaronson began his professional journey with the Philadelphia Union after signing a Homegrown Player contract in August 2020.
Over his tenure, he made 37 regular-season appearances and scored four goals, while also participating in key matches like the 2021 Concacaf Champions League semifinals and the 2022 MLS Cup Final.
At the international level, Aaronson has earned four senior caps for the United States since his debut in January 2023.
He was part of the U.S. squad that claimed victory in the 2023–24 Concacaf Nations League and reached the final of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Aaronson also represented the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he started all four matches and contributed one goal and one assist as the team advanced to the quarterfinals.
In youth competitions, Aaronson made a notable impact with the U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team, finishing as the top scorer in the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship with seven goals, and earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids acquire midfielder Paxten Aaronson from Eintracht Frankfurt and sign him to a five-year contract through 2030 as a Designated Player.
image source from：coloradorapids
