Chris Richards has been named U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year after a standout 2025 calendar year with both Crystal Palace and the U.S. Men's National Team. The central defender's award win comes in the first time he was nominated for the award, as he beat out Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese, and Malik Tillman to this year's honors.
GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including concern over Pepi after an injury and Folarin Balogun getting on the scoresheet.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner sought to ease concerns over Chris Richards after the U.S. international was stretchered off in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal loss to Arsenal, saying the ankle injury isn't too concerning and expressing optimism the defender could return in the new year. The 25-year-old is in the midst of a breakout campaign for the Eagles.
GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Richards taking on Aaronson and what the French Cup could mean for Ligue 1's USMNT quartet.
USMNT center back Chris Richards has reportedly opened talks with Crystal Palace over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire after the 2026–27 season. The American has grown into a key piece of Oliver Glasner’s back three in recent years, emerging as a reliable starter after an initially rocky adjustment following his move from Bayern Munich.
Chris Richards was one of the notable absences from the USMNT roster announced Thursday, and Charlie Davies says tensions between Crystal Palace and U.S. Soccer might have been a factor. Palace manager Oliver Glasner publicly criticized the U.S. for playing the centerback in both October friendlies when he was supposedly dealing with an injury.
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