Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards has been voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. The federation announced the honor Wednesday, with Richards capturing 48.6% of the weighted vote. He topped a competitive field that included Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten and Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman, who finished second and third respectively.

Richards received the surprise news during an interview on ESPN's 'The Pat McAfee Show.' The award recognizes his standout performances for both club and country throughout the year. Voting is conducted by a diverse panel, including national team coaches, players, league officials, and select media members, reflecting his broad respect within the American soccer community.

On the international stage, the Birmingham, Alabama native logged a career-high 1,004 minutes across 12 appearances for the USMNT. He scored two crucial goals, including one in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final against Mexico. His consistent play earned him a spot on the tournament's Best XI, cementing his status as a defensive leader for the national team.