James Pantemis Profile – Stats, Age, Salary, Net Worth & Career
James Pantemis is a talented Canadian goalkeeper who has steadily climbed through the ranks of North American soccer. Born in February 1997 in Kirkland, Quebec, Pantemis transitioned from playing at youth clubs like AS Pierrefonds and Lakeshore SC to becoming the starting goalkeeper for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS). His profile encompasses more than just raw talent; it reflects resilience, athleticism and a commitment to continuous growth. In this article, we delve into James Pantemis’s age, height, salary, net worth, career statistics and the significant milestones that define his professional journey. The goalkeeper’s story provides insights for fans and aspiring players seeking to understand the evolution of a modern MLS keeper.
Early Life and Youth Career
Early Beginnings and Youth Clubs
Pantemis began playing football at the tender age of four with AS Pierrefonds, a local club in Quebec. He later joined Lakeshore SC, where he honed his goalkeeping skills against stronger competition. His performances at Lakeshore caught the attention of Montreal Impact’s academy, and in 2014 he joined their youth setup, marking a pivotal shift in his development. The move gave Pantemis access to professional coaching, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and exposure to top youth competitions, laying the foundation for his professional future.
Entry into Professional Ranks
In 2016, Pantemis signed his first professional contract with FC Montreal, the reserve team of the Montreal Impact competing in the United Soccer League. He made his professional debut on 2 May 2016 against Orlando City II and played again on 15 May against Bethlehem Steel, gaining crucial match experience despite the team’s defeats. Unfortunately, a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury later that year curtailed his season and left him unattached when FC Montreal ceased operations. His resilience showed when he recovered to rejoin the Impact in November 2017 after a training spell with Serie A club Bologna, illustrating his determination to reach top-flight soccer.
Club Career Progression
CF Montréal Years
Pantemis’s tenure with CF Montréal (formerly Montreal Impact) lasted from 2018 to 2023, spanning 34 MLS appearances and seven clean sheets. He made his competitive debut for the Impact in the 2019 Canadian Championship against York9 and gained more exposure during the 2021 and 2022 MLS seasons. During this period he also experienced loan spells — notably a 2020 loan to Valour FC in the Canadian Premier League where he played seven matches. These loans allowed him to gain match fitness and refine his shot‑stopping technique.
In Montreal’s 2022 season, Pantemis split starting duties but still managed 11 league appearances and contributed to the club’s second‑seed finish in the Eastern Conference. However, after the 2023 season CF Montréal declined his option, making him a free agent.
Move to Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers signed Pantemis on 5 January 2024, initially on a two‑year contract with a club option for 2026. Portland exercised that option on 14 November 2025, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. This move allowed Pantemis to vie for the starting role in a team with championship ambitions.
2024 Season Highlights
In his debut season with the Timbers, Pantemis established himself as a reliable presence. He started in the home opener against Colorado Rapids, helping the team secure a 4‑1 win. Notable performances included making his first career penalty save on 29 May 2024 at Austin FC and earning a 1‑0 shutout win on 1 March at Austin, which garnered Team of the Matchday (TOTM) bench honors. He recorded five clean sheets that season, with back‑to‑back shutouts in June and a 0‑0 draw against FC Dallas on 6 October.
2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 season showcased Pantemis’s growing confidence. He registered an assist in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best‑of‑3 series on 1 November, recorded his fourth shutout of the season on 23 August at San Diego and saved three penalties across various matches. His ability to remain composed under pressure, particularly during penalty situations, demonstrated his evolution from a promising backup to a dependable starter.
2026 Season Start
Pantemis made his 2026 season debut on 21 February, starting in a 3‑2 win over Columbus Crew. Although early results included some defeats, he continued to showcase reflexes and leadership from the back.
Height, Age & Physical Attributes
Pantemis stands 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and weighs approximately 170 lbs. Born on 21 February 1997, he turned 29 in 2026. His athletic build and agility allow him to cover the goal efficiently, making him adept at both shot stopping and aerial duels. As he enters his prime years, his combination of experience and physical fitness positions him among Canada’s top goalkeepers.
Salary, Net Worth & Contract Details
MLS Contract and Wages
According to Capology, Pantemis’s current contract with Portland Timbers runs through 31 December 2026 and includes an estimated gross salary of US$200,000 for the 2026 season, or roughly $3,846 per week. Capology notes that his contract was signed in November 2025 when Portland exercised their option.
The 2025 MLS Players’ Association salary guide lists his base salary as $200,000 with guaranteed compensation of $220,833. This figure reflects his earnings from MLS and does not account for performance bonuses or endorsements.
Estimated Net Worth
Pantemis’s career gross earnings are estimated at about $1.14 million. While net worth includes savings, endorsements and taxes and is therefore difficult to calculate precisely, his accumulated salaries and modest lifestyle suggest a net worth around $1 million. Because he is still active in his career, this number may continue to grow through future contracts, bonuses and potential endorsements.
Playing Style and Strengths
Pantemis combines quick reflexes with disciplined positioning. Observers often note his calm distribution from the back and ability to command the penalty area during set pieces. He excels in penalty situations, saving multiple penalty kicks in 2024 and 2025. His cross‑handling and decision‑making have improved since his CF Montréal days, indicating growth under the Timbers’ coaching staff. As a modern goalkeeper, he is comfortable playing out from the back, contributing to Portland’s build‑up play.
Career Statistics Overview
The following table summarizes Pantemis’s club appearances and clean sheets across major competitions up to April 4 2026:
| Season & Club | League Apps | Playoff Apps | Clean Sheets | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 – FC Montreal | 2 | – | 0 | Professional debut season in USL |
| 2018–2023 – CF Montréal | 34 | 0 | 7 | Included 18 appearances in 2021 and 11 in 2022; contributed to second‑seed finish |
| 2020 – Valour FC (loan) | 7 | – | 0 | Gained match fitness during Canadian Premier League bubble season |
| 2024 – Portland Timbers | 15 | 1 | 5 | Recorded first career penalty save and multiple shutouts |
| 2025 – Portland Timbers | 19 | 4 | 4 | Registered first assist and multiple penalty saves |
| 2026 – Portland Timbers | 6 | 0 | 0 | Early season, 27 saves but no clean sheets |
Note: “Clean Sheets” reflect league shutouts; playoff and cup matches may vary.
The table above shows a gradual increase in responsibilities and performance. Pantemis’s clean sheet record improved during his first two years with the Timbers, reflecting better defensive organization and individual maturation. In 2026, although he had no clean sheets in his first six starts, he recorded 27 saves and faced 15 goals, indicating heavy defensive pressure and underscoring his importance.
International Experience
Pantemis has represented Canada at various youth levels, including U‑15, U‑16, U‑20 and U‑23 teams. He started in a notable U‑20 victory over England and participated in the 2018 Toulon Tournament. Although he received senior team call‑ups as early as 2017, he made his first senior appearance in January 2026 during a friendly against Guatemala (designated a “B”‑level friendly). He was also part of Canada’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighting his standing among Canadian goalkeepers.
Off‑Field Details and Personal Life
Pantemis holds a Greek passport through his heritage, giving him the flexibility to move within European leagues if opportunities arise. Known for his quiet and focused demeanor, he often credits his family and early coaches for instilling discipline and work ethic. When he’s not training, Pantemis enjoys outdoor activities and remains active in community outreach programs, particularly in youth soccer clinics around Portland and Montreal.
Current Market Value and Future Prospects
Transfer valuation websites estimate Pantemis’s market value around €1 million as of early 2026, reflecting both his age and MLS performance. His value could increase if he secures more clean sheets and national team caps. With Portland retaining him through 2026, the goalkeeper has the stability to focus on refining his skills and possibly attracting interest from European clubs.
Looking ahead, Pantemis’s key goals include:
- Securing consistent starting minutes: Competing with teammate Trey Muse for the number‑one spot and aiming for more clean sheets.
- Increasing national team involvement: Building on his January 2026 call‑up to earn official senior caps.
- Developing distribution: Modern goalkeepers are expected to initiate attacks; improving long‑range passing could enhance his profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pantemis was born on 21 February 1997, making him 29 years old in 2026. He stands 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and weighs about 170 lbs.
For the 2026 MLS season, Pantemis earns an estimated $200,000 base salary with total guaranteed compensation of $220,833. His weekly wage is approximately $3,846.
Based on career earnings of roughly $1.14 million and limited endorsements, his net worth is estimated around $1 million. Net worth figures can vary depending on taxes and investments.
He began with FC Montreal in 2016, then joined CF Montréal (2018‑2023), including a loan stint at Valour FC in 2020. Since 2024 he has played for the Portland Timbers in MLS.
Yes. Pantemis has represented Canada at multiple youth levels and made his first senior appearance in a B‑level friendly in January 2026. He was part of Canada’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Conclusion
James Pantemis’s profile illustrates the journey of a dedicated goalkeeper rising through the ranks of Canadian and American soccer. From his early days at AS Pierrefonds to starting for the Portland Timbers, he has faced injuries, loans and stiff competition yet continually progressed. Standing at 6 ft 1 in with quick reflexes and increasing leadership, Pantemis is poised for further success. With a contract secured through 2026 and growing international recognition, his next seasons will be crucial in determining whether he becomes a long‑term pillar for club and country. Fans should watch for improvements in his distribution and command of the penalty area as he enters his prime.
