A Stellar Year for CONCACAF Football Stars

It is difficult to dispute that 2025 marked a breakout year for Chris Richards. His performance for both club and country showcased significant growth, earning him a place on this prestigious list.

At the club level, Richards played a vital role in securing Crystal Palace’s first major trophy, the FA Cup, followed by a victory in the Community Shield. On the international stage, he emerged as a leader for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) during the Gold Cup, demonstrating consistency and earning accolades as a member of the Gold Cup Team of the Tournament. His solid presence at the back was crucial to the team’s defensive setup, fostering optimism as he approaches the 2026 season with potential for further improvement.

In a Gold Cup year, the Player of the Tournament is a title that commands attention, especially when awarded to a player of Edson Álvarez’s caliber. The Mexico midfielder demonstrated his influence throughout the tournament, contributing two goals and an assist, with one of those goals being decisive in securing Mexico’s record-extending 10th Gold Cup title. Álvarez’s contributions were pivotal, as they often are when Mexico celebrates success.

His club performances for West Ham were notable, logging extensive playing time before his recent loan move to Fenerbahçe. Now at age 28 and in his prime, Álvarez remains an indispensable asset for El Tri.

In terms of goal-scoring prowess, few in CONCACAF can match the consistency of Jonathan David. The Canadian star continued his impressive run in 2025, following two consecutive 26-goal seasons with 25 goals for Lille, reaffirming his status as one of Europe’s most reliable forwards. He also excelled on the international stage, netting six goals for Canada, including a pivotal strike in the Nations League, which elevated him to the position of his country’s all-time leading scorer.

This remarkable form earned David a transfer to Juventus, where he has adapted well, contributing three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions. His overall excellence throughout the season garnered him the CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year award in November. At just 25, David remains a key figure among CONCACAF forwards.

Raul Jimenez, now 34, continues to showcase his lethal scoring ability, a testament to his enduring talent. This season alone, he scored nine goals, including four in two Nations League matches that helped secure the trophy for El Tri, as well as three more in the Gold Cup, with a memorable equalizer against the USMNT in the final.

Additionally, he had a robust 12-goal season in the Premier League with Fulham and has already added three to his tally in the current season. Jimenez has cemented his legacy as one of the region’s finest players.

Could anyone else claim the top spot on this list? The answer is likely no, especially considering the remarkable form of Christian Pulisic. Currently, no CONCACAF player is performing at a level comparable to Pulisic’s, particularly during his time at AC Milan, where he has positioned himself in the world-class conversation. Despite some challenges with the USMNT, including a notable absence from the Gold Cup, Pulisic remains the standout figure in this region, making it exceedingly difficult for anyone to challenge his status.