Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall
Birmingham’s Chris Richards wins U.S. Soccer Player of the Year for 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
Birmingham native and Legion FC owner Chris Richards was voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Federation Male Player of the Year.
Richards had an exciting year on and off the pitch.
A stalwart defender for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), he played 12 international matches in 2025, leading the squad to the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
For his club team, Richards helped Crystal Palace F.C. win its first FA Cup in its 164 year history.
Born in Birmingham, Richards learned the game locally through the youth ranks. He signed an academy contract with FC Dallas 2017, eventually joining Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich and then Crystal Palace.
In February of 2025, Richards joined the Birmingham Legion FC ownership group.
The player of the year announcement was made January 14th on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show. Check out Richards’ reaction.
Watch Richard’s on weekends when Crystal Palace plays in the English Premier League and at the 2026 World Cup this summer. You can also see him at Legion games, especially when all the league fixtures and international competitions are finished.
Want to support his club? Legion F.C. will take on MLS powerhouse Nashville SC on January 31st at Protective Stadium.
