Overview
- He secured 48.6% of the weighted vote, finishing ahead of Malik Tillman (21.7%), Alex Freeman (13%), Max Arfsten and Matt Freese.
- The announcement was delivered live on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show, where Richards called the honor meaningful and spoke about World Cup ambitions.
- At club level, he played every minute of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup run, helped beat Manchester City 1-0 in the final, and lifted the Community Shield after a shootout win over Liverpool.
- For the USMNT in 2025, he made 12 appearances with 11 starts, scored twice at the Gold Cup including the final’s opener against Mexico, and earned a tournament Best XI selection.
- He is the 28th different winner and the second straight defender honored, with the U.S. set for March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta.