Paul Arriola Bio
Paul Joseph Arriola (born February 5, 1995) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC. Known for his work rate, versatility across the front line, and ability to contribute goals and assists, Arriola has represented the United States at youth and senior levels, including winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2017 and 2021.
Standing 168 cm tall, Arriola has built his career across Liga MX and Major League Soccer, with a brief spell in the English Championship. His journey from Southern California youth soccer to the U.S. Men’s National Team reflects consistent development and resilience through injury setbacks.
Early Life and Background
Early Life and Background
Paul Joseph Arriola was born in Chula Vista, California, a suburb of San Diego, to Dawn and Art Arriola. He grew up in a bicultural household with strong ties to both the United States and Mexico, and he holds a Mexican passport obtained through his great-grandparents who were born in Mexico.
Arriola attended Mater Dei Catholic High School in Chula Vista and iHigh Virtual Academy in San Diego, balancing classroom studies with a demanding youth soccer schedule. He spent formative years with U.S. Soccer Development Academy club Arsenal FC based in Temecula, California, a club that has produced several successful players including Carlos Bocanegra and Hector Jimenez, before joining the academy of the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2013.
Path to Soccer
Arriola progressed through the U.S. youth national team setup, including the squad for the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, where the United States won the tournament. He made three starts in four matches at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico, gaining early exposure to high-level international competition.
In December 2012, Arriola was invited to train with Club Tijuana, after having previously trialed with the club. Despite being offered a professional contract by the Galaxy, Arriola opted to sign for Club Tijuana of Liga MX, citing proximity to his hometown and family ties across the border.
Paul Arriola Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Arriola made his debut for Club Tijuana in a preseason friendly against Club América at Petco Park in San Diego on July 6, 2013, scoring in the 54th minute of an eventual 5–2 victory. He made his professional league debut on July 19, 2013, in a 3–3 draw with Club Atlas, assisting on Darío Benedetto’s goal shortly after entering as a second-half substitute.
He scored his second professional goal in the CONCACAF Champions League against C.D. Victoria during the same period. Arriola became part of a wave of American-born players to join the Xolos, including Edgar Castillo, Herculez Gomez, Joe Corona, and Greg Garza.
Major League Soccer Breakthrough (2017–2021)
On August 9, 2017, Arriola signed for Major League Soccer side D.C. United for a club record fee of $3,000,000 plus allocation money. He debuted on August 13, 2017, in a 1–0 loss against Real Salt Lake and scored his first goal for D.C. United in the season finale against the New York Red Bulls on October 22, 2017, the last game at RFK Stadium.
In the 2018 D.C. United season, Arriola’s performances greatly improved. On July 14, 2018, in a 3–1 win against Vancouver Whitecaps, he scored a personal record two goals in the club’s inaugural match at Audi Field, finishing the season with 28 appearances, 7 goals, and 8 assists. Under Ben Olsen’s management, Arriola became more flexible, playing both right midfielder and right back.
During a 2020 preseason game against Orlando City on February 15, 2020, Arriola suffered a partially torn ACL, causing him to miss the entire 2020 MLS season. On July 27, 2020, Arriola and D.C. United agreed to a multi-year contract extension through the 2023 season with an option for 2024, and he returned to action in the final regular season match against Montreal Impact on November 8, 2020.
FC Dallas Era (2022–2024)
On January 26, 2022, FC Dallas acquired Arriola in a trade involving $1.5 million in General Allocation Money in 2022 and $500,000 in 2023, with D.C. United retaining a percentage of any future transfer outside MLS. Arriola provided pace and experience on the wing during his time in Texas.
His tenure at FC Dallas was followed by a move to Seattle Sounders FC on January 12, 2025, signaling a new chapter in his MLS career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Arriola is recognized for his tactical flexibility, high work rate, and ability to operate effectively on either flank or as a fullback when required. His movement off the ball, pressing, and capacity to deliver both goals and assists have made him a dependable contributor in Major League Soccer and at the international level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Arriola made his senior international debut on May 22, 2016, against Puerto Rico, scoring his first international goal and assisting a Bobby Wood goal. He scored a key header in a 5–1 victory over Panama during 2021–22 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying that virtually secured a spot in Qatar, though he was ultimately omitted from the final World Cup squad.
Paul Arriola Career Wins
Arriola has compiled competitive experience across Liga MX, Major League Soccer, the EFL Championship, and the FA Cup, contributing goals and assists for Club Tijuana, D.C. United, Swansea City, FC Dallas, and Seattle Sounders FC. His international honors include two CONCACAF Gold Cup titles with the United States.
CONCACAF Gold Cup Highlights
Arriola was part of the United States squads that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2017 and 2021. He also reached the final as a runner-up in 2019, scoring in the opening match of that tournament against Guyana with an assist from Weston McKennie.
Other Wins and Performances
He was part of the U.S. U-17 squad that won the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and represented his country at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored against New Zealand in a 4–0 group stage victory.
Paul Arriola Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Arriola was raised in Chula Vista, California, by Dawn and Art Arriola, with strong family ties across the U.S.–Mexico border. In October 2018, Arriola’s father died from a heart attack, prompting him to fly home and miss two matches during D.C. United’s playoff push.
Personal Life
On January 6, 2023, Arriola married his girlfriend, Akela Banuelos, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He holds dual American and Mexican citizenship through his family heritage.
2025 Season Performance
Arriola joined Seattle Sounders FC on January 12, 2025, beginning a new phase of his career with a club known for consistent playoff appearances. His experience across multiple systems and leagues positions him as a veteran presence in the Sounders’ attacking rotation.
Throughout 2025, Arriola is expected to compete for minutes on the wing while contributing to the team’s MLS campaign and any cup competitions. His familiarity with high-pressure environments, including CONCACAF and World Cup qualifying, brings added value to the Seattle locker room.
Fans and analysts will monitor how Arriola adapts to the Sounders’ tactical structure and whether his scoring and assist production can mirror his earlier career peaks, particularly those achieved during the 2018 D.C. United season.