Chris Richards #3

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The reigning USMNT player of the year. Hailing from Hoover, Alabama, Richards chose soccer over basketball after his under-16s team visited Argentina. Was cut from his first trial with FC Dallas’ academy before the MLS side extended an offer one year later. Something of a late bloomer, having signed his first pro contract with Bayern Munich just before turning 19. A loan with Hoffenheim set him on the path that sees him regularly start for Crystal Palace. Quickly emerging as a vocal leader for club and country alike; he was the only one to play all 540 minutes of Palace’s triumphant FA Cup run in 2025. Already the 10th-most appearances among USA outfield players in Premier League history. His leg bears a tattoo of a cartoon he drew at age three of himself playing soccer. If only we all could have such career clarity so soon …

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