Pat McAfee Shocks USMNT Star with Surprise U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year Honor

U.S. men's national team defender Chris Richards received an unexpected honor on Wednesday when he was announced as the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year during The Pat McAfee Show.

The 25-year-old defender, who delivered an outstanding performance for the Stars and Stripes under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, claimed the prestigious award for the first time. Richards now becomes part of an elite group of American soccer legends, including Christian Pulisic, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, who have earned this distinction.

The Crystal Palace player featured in 11 matches for the USMNT in 2025, participating in virtually every minute of the team's Gold Cup run last summer. Beyond his defensive contributions, Richards netted two crucial goals during the tournament, finding the scoresheet against Saudi Arabia and then against Mexico in the championship match, which El Tri eventually claimed 2–1.

Half a year following the heartbreaking second-place finish, Richards joined The Pat McAfee Show expecting a routine interview. The central defender then discovered he had edged out competitors like Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese and Malik Tillman to earn the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year recognition.

CHRIS RICHARDS...

YOU HAVE BEEN NAMED THE @USMNT PLAYER OF THE YEAR 👏

"This means the world to me and I couldn't be more excited for the World Cup" ~ @eastmamba #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/vqvJv2YGje

Following his appreciation on the program, Richards elaborated on his emotions and anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place primarily on American territory.

"Being part of such an esteemed group of players means everything to me," Richards stated, according to U.S. Soccer. "This has been a significant year, and we have an even more important one ahead. This recognition reflects our collective success as a squad and the positive trajectory we're building toward the World Cup.

"Having [McAfee] make this announcement on his platform and give us recognition," Richards continued. "It demonstrates the sport's growth in America, the increasing respect for soccer and the mounting anticipation for this summer's World Cup."

U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year: Every Winner This Century

U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year: Every Winner This Century

Christian Pulisic and Landon Donovan share the record with four U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year awards each. USMNT icon Clint Dempsey follows closely with three accolades to his name.

While Richards may be a first-time recipient, he created history following Antonee Robinson's victory last year. Defensive players have now claimed the award in consecutive years for the first time since Marcelo Balboa and Alexi Lalas accomplished this feat in 1994 and 1995.