U.S. men’s national team defender Chris Richards has claimed the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year award, as the federation announced on Wednesday.
Richards had an impressive year for both his club and country, solidifying his position in the lineup while leading Crystal Palace to their first significant trophy.
This recognition marks Richards’ first U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year award, making him the second straight defender to win after Antonee Robinson was celebrated in 2024.
Richards garnered 48.6% of the weighted total vote, outperforming fellow finalists Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese, and Malik Tillman.
Tillman secured second place with 21.7% of the vote, while Freeman finished in third at 13%.
The Alabama native made a total of 12 appearances for the USMNT last year, starting all six matches as Mauricio Pochettino’s squad advanced to the Gold Cup final. Richards opened the scoring in that match against Mexico, which saw the USMNT ultimately lose 2-1.
Richards netted two goals during the Gold Cup, earning him a spot on the tournament’s Best XI.
The announcement for Richards came during a live segment on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN.
“It means the world to me,” Richards expressed. “As a defender, there’s a lot of talk about pressure, but I see it differently. Pressure builds diamonds.
“With this team, representing this country, we embody the American spirit of competition. We aim to win, we fight hard, and that determination will be on display this summer at the World Cup. By the end, we hope to be holding a major trophy.”
At the club level, 2025 solidified Richards as a key starter for Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old played every minute of their FA Cup title run, including a memorable 1-0 victory against high-flying Manchester City in the final.
