‘In Europe I was a guy with nothing to lose’ – Paxten Aaronson happy with return to MLS, says expectations as Colorado Rapids’ marquee player ‘will get the best out of me’

Paxten Aaronson just wanted to be happy.

That’s the simple answer and, in reality, are there many better answers than that? What’s the point of all of this if you aren’t chasing happiness? 

The life of professional athletes isn’t always so simple, especially those in the spotlight. As a young member of the U.S. men’s national team, Aaronson’s dreams, ambitions and goals are on public display, particularly during transfer windows. It’s one of the unique phenomena of this game – everyone in the world seems to have an opinion on what’s best for you.

Aaronson made his choice. He left Europe, heading home to join the Colorado Rapids in a reported record $7 million deal. There were plenty of reasons behind it, and he stressed that the decision was not made without consideration for every potential scenario and ramification. But ultimately he valued his well-being over everything else.

“Of course, outside fans can all say what they think is best for your career,” Aaronson told GOAL, “but I promise you that I’ve thought endlessly about every situation. I knew this was what was best for not only me and my career, but for my family and my well-being. I wanted to go somewhere where I was going to be my happiest playing soccer. I wanted to enjoy it. If you’re not enjoying playing soccer, what’s the point of even doing it? You play as a kid to enjoy it, and that’s what Colorado can offer me.

“Before the transfer, I promise that I thought of every possible outcome and whether staying in Europe was right for me. But at the end of the day, I had to go somewhere where I was going to play because that’s when I’m the happiest.”

Fans don’t always see athletes’ careers through the same lens. They often want players to be challenged, to deal with the pressures of Europe, to test themselves to help maximize their talent. In Colorado, Aaronson faces a new kind of pressure. With the Rapids, Aaronson can no longer be just a guy. He has to be THE guy. He’s no longer fighting for a place. He’s fighting to prove that he can be a star attraction. 

The Rapids will only go so far as Aaronson can carry them. Is that enough? Does that, plus happiness, help a player fulfill their potential? And does that, ultimately, move Aaronson closer to achieving his ambition of representing the USMNT in a World Cup?

Aaronson is betting that the answer is “yes.” He’s betting on himself, all while acknowledging that his life needed this change.