Had it not been for an untimely injury, Chris Richards might have been a starting center back for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) at the 2022 World Cup. But three years later, the Birmingham, Alabama native has more than made up for lost time — establishing himself as one of the top American defenders in world football.
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At just 25 years old, Richards has become the defensive backbone of the USMNT and a standout performer in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace, where he’s already lifted both the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
Off the field, Richards’ warm personality, humor, and humility have made him one of the most respected figures in the national team locker room. But who is Chris Richards beyond the pitch? Here’s a look at his journey from Alabama soccer fields to the global stage.
From Gridiron Country to Global Soccer Stardom
Growing up in Birmingham, Richards didn’t have many soccer idols nearby. “Back then, we didn’t have a pro team in Alabama,” he recalled. “The closest was in Atlanta. There were only a handful of youth clubs, and we kept playing the same teams every weekend.”
Despite the limited opportunities, Richards’ passion for the game grew. Competing regionally opened his eyes to a higher level of play — and to the gap that existed between Alabama and states like Georgia and Tennessee.
Leaving Home to Chase a Dream
Richards realized early that to reach his potential, he’d need to leave home. When his friend Tanner Tessmann joined the FC Dallas Academy, Richards reached out to then-coach Luchi Gonzalez and asked for a trial. Though he wasn’t accepted right away, the experience pushed him harder.
“I was 16 when I moved to Houston,” he said. “That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do.” He lived with a host family, the Eastons, who became like a second family. By 17, he finally made it to FC Dallas — and within two years, he’d catch the eye of Bayern Munich.
The Bayern Munich Leap
Richards’ move to Bayern Munich in 2018 was a dream come true — and a shock. “One day I walked into the locker room and saw David Alaba and Franck Ribery,” he said. “It was surreal.”
Originally supposed to stay for six months, Bayern offered him a five-year contract. Richards hesitated at first, wanting to play in MLS, but advice from mentors — including coach Eric Quill — convinced him to seize the opportunity.
That leap of faith paid off. His time in Germany refined his defensive intelligence, confidence, and leadership — skills that now define his game in England and with the U.S.
Life in London: Growth on and off the Pitch
Now settled in London with Crystal Palace, Richards has become a leader both on the field and in the dressing room. He loves the city’s diversity, especially its mix of Caribbean, African, and Middle Eastern cultures — though he admits he still hunts down a good Mexican restaurant whenever possible.
Adjusting to British life had its challenges, including driving on the opposite side of the road. “My first drive back from Bournemouth was chaos,” he laughed. “But I got used to it after a few weeks.”
Family, Tattoos, and What Drives Him
Richards’ story is deeply shaped by his family. His father, a former pro basketball player, and his mother, a multi-sport athlete, instilled discipline and resilience in him from a young age.
He also carries his story — literally — on his skin. His first tattoo marks the date he left home, August 6, 2016. Since then, his body has become a canvas for memories and meaning.
On his right arm, Richards has portraits of Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., and the iconic 1968 Olympic protest by John Carlos and Tommie Smith — a tribute to Black athletes who changed history.
“I wanted my tattoos to tell my story,” he said. “If I ever forget, my body will still remember.”
Beyond Soccer: Movies, Music, and Personality
Richards has a genuine curiosity about the world. A fan of World War II history, his favorite film is Saving Private Ryan. He’s also a big Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant fan, loves house and hip-hop music, and even sang Hotline Bling by Drake during his team initiation — a moment he laughs about today.
Legacy and Life After Football
As Richards looks ahead, he’s clear about what he wants his legacy to be: “I want to be remembered as the best defender to ever play for the USMNT, but also as a better person than a player.”
After retirement, he dreams of becoming a sports agent — a role that would keep him close to the game without taking him too far from his family.
Now a proud father, Richards says parenthood has transformed his outlook. “You realize your child comes first,” he said. “It’s the best thing in the world.”
The Next Chapter
From Alabama to London, from youth rejection to international stardom, Chris Richards has forged a path defined by grit, self-belief, and gratitude. As he anchors the U.S. defense heading toward the 2026 World Cup, one thing is clear — his story is far from finished.
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