The Rise of Chris Richards: From Local Talent to USMNT Leader

In an alternate reality, Chris Richards might have been playing traditional American football. However, growing up in Birmingham and later in Hoover, Alabama—a region famous for its football culture—he found his true passion in soccer. The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is undoubtedly grateful for this choice.

Richards’ journey commenced modestly. After making a name for himself locally, he tried out for the FC Dallas academy at the age of 16 but did not make the cut. After a year in Houston, he returned to FC Dallas and secured his place within the academy. However, his time in Texas would be brief.

In May 2018, shortly after signing his first professional contract with FC Dallas, Richards participated in a 10-day trial with Bayern Munich, a partner club of the MLS team. The experience exceeded all expectations, leading to a one-year loan offer from the German giants in July—a remarkable opportunity that few could have foreseen.

Within two years of being released by FC Dallas, Richards had signed with one of the world’s top football clubs. Almost immediately after signing with Bayern, he made his debut as a substitute against Paris Saint-Germain during the International Champions Cup, which Bayern won 3-1. Over the following years, he made ten appearances for the first team but truly distinguished himself during a loan spell at Hoffenheim, where he became recognized as a formidable defender.

In 2022, after two loan periods at Hoffenheim and limited chances at Bayern Munich, Richards took a significant step forward by joining Crystal Palace. It took time, but he has since established himself as a respected defender in the Premier League, contributing to the club’s historic achievements.

Crystal Palace, officially founded in 1905, had never won a major top-flight trophy until 2025, when Richards played a crucial role in their success. He became a key player during the team’s remarkable FA Cup campaign, culminating in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final.

“When you do something for the first time in the way we did it? It was perfect,” Richards remarked in an interview with GOAL, highlighting the significance of the achievement for Palace.

He continued to be a pivotal figure for the club, helping secure another trophy, the Community Shield, with a victory over Liverpool in August. Despite some inconsistencies in Premier League performances, Crystal Palace advanced to the knockout stages of the Conference League in their inaugural European campaign.

Since his move to Bayern, Richards has been viewed as the future center back for the USMNT. His journey took a transformative turn in 2024-25 while at Palace after an insightful conversation with assistant coach Paddy McCarthy. Richards embraced a leadership role, saying, “I understand I’m a leader and I want to act like it. I came into this summer with the confidence to say, ‘I’m going to be me.'”

Richards emerged as one of the standout players for the USMNT during the Gold Cup in 2025, solidifying his presence in the national team. By the fall, he had become a critical asset, with no doubt regarding his selection on the team sheet.

Beyond the pitch, Richards has established himself as the emotional core of the USMNT—a player who balances competitiveness with humor during less visible moments. His on-field performance continues to improve alongside his growing confidence.

As the World Cup approaches, Richards is expected to be central to the USMNT’s defense. With Mauricio Pochettino favoring a back three formation, he is likely to headline that trio. Having thrived in a similar system at Crystal Palace, Richards will be instrumental for the U.S. to achieve success this summer.

Defensively, Richards embodies the heart and soul of the USMNT, making him perhaps the most vital component heading into this crucial tournament.