Chris Richards named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year after 2025 rise

Goal reports Crystal Palace and USMNT defender Chris Richards was informed during an appearance on the Pat McAfee show that he had been named U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year; Richards said he "didn't know it was coming" and called the honour meaningful for him as a defender.

Richards was central to Crystal Palace’s breakthrough season, playing every minute of their FA Cup run and helping the club lift the trophy at Wembley in May, then also featuring in Palace’s Community Shield win a few months later. At international level he started all six CONCACAF Gold Cup games, scored twice — including a group-stage winner against Saudi Arabia and a goal in the final against Mexico — and was named to CONCACAF’s Best XI.

Back in the Premier League Richards formed a back three with Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi and made 24 league appearances after reclaiming a starting place. He also resumed a leading role for the USMNT in the autumn, starting wins over Japan and Australia and a draw with Ecuador, and teammates and coaches have noted his vocal leadership.

With a World Cup on the horizon, Richards has added the Player of the Year award to a season that saw both club trophies and a national-team leadership leap, leaving some outcomes — including future tournament success and any formal captaincy — still to be decided.

Key Topics

Sports, Chris Richards, Crystal Palace, Usmnt, Fa Cup, Gold Cup