"Richards was surprised with the news during an interview on "The Pat McAfee Show," which aired on ESPN Wednesday. In addition to fan voting, votes for U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year are collected from national team coaches, USMNT players who earned a cap in 2025, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, U.S. Soccer Athletes' Council, professional league head coaches and sporting directors, select media members and former players and administrators."
"Richards enjoyed a stellar 2025 for both club and country. The Birmingham, Alabama, native played in 12 matches for the USMNT, totaling 1,004 minutes -- the most of his international career. He scored two goals, including one in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final, in which Mexico prevailed, 2-1. He was also named to the tournament's Best XI. Richards enjoyed similar success at club level, making 32 appearances in all competitions,"
Chris Richards, a Crystal Palace and United States defender, was voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year with 48.6% of the weighted vote. He finished ahead of Malik Tillman (21.7%) and Alex Freeman (13%), with other finalists including Max Arfsten and Matt Freese. Voting combined fan ballots with national team coaches, USMNT players capped in 2025, U.S. Soccer Board members, the Athletes' Council, professional league coaches and sporting directors, select media and former players and administrators. Richards played 12 matches for the USMNT, totaled 1,004 minutes, scored two goals including one in the Concacaf Gold Cup final, and was named to the tournament Best XI. He made 32 club appearances and helped Crystal Palace win the 2025 FA Cup and 2025 Community Shield, the first major trophies in the club's 120-year history. The Male Athlete of the Year award began in 1984; 28 different players have won it, with Christian Pulisic and Landon Donovan tied at four wins each.
Read at ESPN.com
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