Chris Richards named U.S. Soccer’s 2025 Male Player of the Year | OneFootball

Chris Richards has been named U.S. Soccer’s 2025 Male Player of the Year after a standout year for Crystal Palace and the U.S. men’s national team.

The 25-year-old defender beat finalists Malik Tillman, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten and Matt Freese. He was recognised for his international form and his impact in England, helping Palace win the FA Cup, the club’s first major trophy in its multi-century history, and August’s Community Shield.

Richards started 45 games for Palace, locking down the right side of Oliver Glasner’s back three. For the national team he made 11 starts, captained once and was the most consistent player throughout the Concacaf Gold Cup. He started all six matches to the final and scored in the 2-1 defeat to Mexico.

Richards took 48.6 percent of a weighted vote, ahead of Tillman with 21.7 and Freeman with 13. The ballot combines votes from players and coaches, fans, media, former players, the U.S. Soccer board, the Athletes’ Council and pro league coaches.

He learned of the honour as an unsuspecting guest. “It means the world to me,” said Richards on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show. “As a defender people tend to say it’s a lot of pressure, but I think pressure builds diamonds,” he added.

He joins current U.S. teammates Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Zack Steffen as past winners. He is the second successive defender to receive the honour, following Robinson.

Source: NY Times