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

Chris Richards’ productive 2025 12 months for membership and nation earned him a serious honor on the worldwide stage.

Richards was named U.S. Soccer’s Male Participant of the 12 months of the 12 months, the federation introduced Wednesday. He edged Malik Tillman and Alex Freeman for the award, in addition to Max Arfsten and Matt Freese.

Richards obtained with 48.6% of the weighted whole of voted, adopted by Tillman (21.7%) and Freeman (13%).

“It means so much to me to hitch a really prestigious listing of gamers,” Richards stated. “This has been a giant 12 months, and we now have an excellent greater 12 months arising.  This reveals how nicely we’ve achieved as a group and the momentum we’re constructing in direction of the World Cup.”

Richards began in 11 of his 12 USMNT appearances in 2025, serving to the squad attain the CONCACAF Gold Cup Remaining. The veteran defender earned Finest XI honors for his constructive run on the match.

He additionally helped the USMNT shut the calendar 12 months on a five-match unbeaten run in pleasant play.

At membership stage, Richards helped English facet Crystal Palace raise its first two trophies in membership historical past. The Eagles defeated Manchester Metropolis 1-0 within the FA Cup Remaining final Could earlier than additionally downing Liverpool 2-2 (3-2 on penalty kicks) within the FA Neighborhood Defend in August.

Crystal Palace additionally reached a European competitors for the primary time, collaborating within the UEFA Convention League. The Eagles are presently within the knockout stage of the competitors.

Richards is anticipated to stay a key a part of  each the Crystal Palace and USMNT squads as 2026 continues to push ahead.