From Birmingham, Alabama to London, England, this is USMNT player of the year Chris Richards’ soccer journey

2025 was quite the year for Chris Richards. Being voted the USMNT’s Player of the Year was an impressive personal achievement, yet it paled in comparison to winning the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, the first major trophy in the club’s history.

Richards had technically tasted club success before, although his contribution had been limited as he took his first steps in professional soccer following what can only be described as a peculiar path.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in nearby Hoover, Richards moved to Texas, first Houston, then Dallas, at the age of 16 in pursuit of a career in the game. The defender signed his first professional contract with FC Dallas two weeks after his 18th birthday in 2018, but almost immediately went on a 10-day trial with Bayern Munich, who were locked into an agreement with the MLS club.

Richards and fellow Dallas youngster Thomas Roberts were handed the opportunity to impress the German giants and, while Roberts returned to the United States, Richards caught the eye, initially joining Bayern on a one-year loan that was turned into a permanent deal in January 2019.

From Dallas to Bayern Munich

The center back played 38 times for the reserve team in the German third division over two seasons and made a total of 10 senior appearances, including three in the Champions League, after making his debut in June 2020.

Still only 20 and not ready to become a first-team regular, Richards was loaned to Hoffenheim, also of the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed more regular game time, playing 34 times across a season and a half.

All roads lead to the Premier League

The American didn’t do quite enough to convince Bayern he had a long-term future there, but his performances did persuade Premier League club Palace to part with €12 million ($14.1 million) to secure his services on a five-year contract in July 2022.

After dipping in and out of the team in his first season, Richards has since become a mainstay in the starting lineup, playing in 118 games and scoring four goals as the Eagles recorded comfortable mid-table Premier League finishes, made club history by winning last season’s FA Cup, and lifted the Community Shield at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.

Richards and Palace could now get their hands on more silverware in the UEFA Conference League.

USMNT leader ahead of the World Cup

A regular with the United States U20 team, Richards has held a similarly important role with the senior squad in recent years, playing nine internationals in 2024 and 12 in 2025, with his consistent displays earning him the USMNT Player of the Year award.

In his 36 games for his country, Richards has scored three goals, the first of which came in the final of the 2023 Concacaf Nations League.

Having captained the USMNT in its most recent friendly against Portugal in March, Richards will undoubtedly be a key figure as Mauricio Pochettino’s side looks to make waves at a home World Cup this summer.

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