Cristhian Paredes Bio
Cristhian Fabián Paredes Maciel (born 18 May 1998) is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers. He began his senior career with Sol de América in the Paraguayan Primera División before moving to Liga MX side Club América, where he later secured a permanent move to the Timbers. Standing at 182 cm, Paredes has represented Paraguay at youth international level and continues to feature for the Portland-based franchise in MLS competition.
Across his career, Paredes has been recognized for his composure in central midfield, his ability to distribute the ball under pressure, and his willingness to contribute defensively. He debuted as a teenager in Paraguay’s top flight and developed through one of South America’s most demanding leagues before transitioning to North American soccer, where he has spent the majority of his professional years.
Early Life and Background
Cristhian Fabián Paredes Maciel was born on 18 May 1998 in Yaguarón, a historic town in the Central Department of Paraguay known for its colonial heritage and deep football tradition. Growing up in a country where soccer is woven into daily life, Paredes was introduced to the sport at a young age through local play and youth academies. The Paraguayan football culture, rich in technical development and tactical discipline, helped shape his early understanding of the game.
He joined the academy of Club Sol de América, one of Paraguay’s traditional first-division clubs based in Asunción, where he progressed through the youth ranks. During his time in the club’s Sub-17 setup, Paredes caught the attention of senior coaches with his maturity, passing range, and reading of the game. Those qualities accelerated his promotion toward first-team duties and laid the foundation for what would become a professional career spanning multiple countries.
His formative years in the Sol de América academy also exposed him to high-level competition and the demands of professional training from an early age. The structured environment of the club, combined with Paraguay’s emphasis on technical growth, gave Paredes the tools needed to handle senior football before his eighteenth birthday.
Path to Soccer
Paredes’ path to professional soccer began in earnest when Sol de América coach Daniel Garnero promoted him from the Sub-17 squad to the first team ahead of the 2016 Paraguayan Primera División season. That promotion marked the moment he transitioned from academy prospect to senior professional, and it came with the responsibility of representing one of Paraguay’s well-known clubs in the country’s top division.
He made his top-flight debut on 23 January 2016 in a 2–1 victory over Club Olimpia, one of Paraguay’s most decorated sides. The performance in that opening-week fixture confirmed his readiness for senior football and earned him a regular place in the starting lineup. On 8 May 2016, he scored his first goal in the Paraguayan Primera División against General Caballero Sport Club during the 20th week of the season.
His first international club appearance followed on 10 August 2016 in the Copa Sudamericana, when Sol de América faced Bolivia’s Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann at the Luis Alfonso Giagni Stadium in Asunción, a match that ended in a 1–1 draw. Those experiences in continental competition raised his profile and attracted attention from clubs abroad, setting the stage for his move to Mexico.
Cristhian Paredes Career
Early Career at Sol de América (2016–2017)
Paredes established himself as a regular starter for Sol de América during the 2016 Paraguayan Primera División season, contributing both in midfield and as a goalscoring threat from advanced positions. His debut goal against General Caballero Sport Club was an important milestone, showcasing his ability to influence matches beyond simple distribution.
His consistent performances at Sol de América, including appearances in the Copa Sudamericana, drew the attention of scouts across the Americas. By the end of 2016, Paredes had secured a move to one of the continent’s biggest clubs, signaling the end of his formative stage in Paraguay.
Club América Era (2017–2020)
On 27 December 2016, Club América confirmed the signing of Paredes for the 2017 Clausura Tournament of Liga MX, one of the most competitive leagues in the Western Hemisphere. The transfer represented a major step up in competition and expectation, as he joined a squad with deep championship ambitions and a global fan base.
During his time with América, Paredes featured in two Copa MX matches and scored his only goal for the club on 1 March 2017 against Santos Laguna in a 2–1 defeat. Although first-team opportunities in Liga MX were limited, the experience of training and competing at a top Mexican club broadened his tactical understanding and prepared him for the next stage of his career.
Portland Timbers Era (2018–Present)
On 2 February 2018, Portland Timbers acquired Paredes on loan from Club América, bringing him into Major League Soccer. The move gave him a clearer pathway to consistent first-team minutes and allowed him to showcase his skills in a league that values technical midfielders. He integrated quickly into the Timbers’ system, contributing as a central midfielder capable of dictating tempo and supporting defensive transitions.
On 6 February 2020, Portland made the move permanent, securing Paredes on a full transfer from Club América. Since then, he has remained a steady presence in the squad, offering leadership, work rate, and tactical discipline. His reliability in midfield has made him a trusted option for the coaching staff and a familiar figure for Portland supporters.
Driving Style and Strengths
Paredes is known for his composure on the ball, his ability to read the game from a central midfield position, and his willingness to track back defensively. He combines a strong passing range with positional awareness, allowing him to link defensive phases with attacking transitions. His experience in both South American and North American football has made him adaptable across different tactical setups and match tempos.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Paredes’ career are his senior debut for Sol de América against Club Olimpia in January 2016, his first top-flight goal against General Caballero Sport Club later that season, his Copa Sudamericana debut against Jorge Wilstermann, his transfer to Club América in December 2016, and the permanent move to Portland Timbers in February 2020.
Cristhian Paredes Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Cristhian Fabián Paredes Maciel’s family background is limited. He was born and raised in Yaguarón, Paraguay, a community with a strong footballing culture, and his upbringing in that environment played a key role in his early development as a player.
Details about his parents, marital status, and other personal matters have not been publicly confirmed through verified sources. As a result, this section focuses only on what is clearly supported by available records.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Cristhian Paredes continues his role as a central midfielder for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer. His experience and consistency make him a steady contributor within the squad, and he is expected to remain part of the team’s midfield rotation throughout the season. Portland’s campaign in 2025 places emphasis on balanced midfield partnerships, and Paredes’ ability to connect defense with attack remains an important asset.
Throughout the year, Paredes has continued to feature in MLS regular-season matches, contributing minutes, distribution, and tactical discipline. His familiarity with the Timbers’ system, built over multiple seasons, provides continuity for the coaching staff as the club pursues playoff qualification.
Looking ahead, Paredes’ role within the squad is likely to evolve as competition for places increases. His combination of experience, technical quality, and professional approach positions him as a reliable figure for Portland as they navigate the demands of an MLS campaign and any additional cup competitions that may arise.