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You Won't Believe How Pat McAfee Shocked This USMNT Star with a Life-Changing Award!

Staff

Staff

1 day ago · Updated 1 day ago

In a delightful turn of events, U.S. men’s national team defender Chris Richards was named the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show this past Wednesday. This prestigious recognition marks the first time Richards, 25, has received this honor, solidifying his place among American soccer legends like Christian Pulisic, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard.

Richards had an impressive year with the national team, featuring prominently under the leadership of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He started 11 matches for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) in 2025, showcasing his skills on the field while also contributing significantly to the team’s offense. During the Gold Cup last summer, he played nearly every minute of the tournament, netting two crucial goals—one against Saudi Arabia and another in the final match against Mexico, where the U.S. ultimately fell short with a 2-1 loss.

In a twist of fate, Richards initially believed he was simply participating in a standard interview on The Pat McAfee Show. However, he was unexpectedly informed that he had outperformed notable contenders like Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese, and Malik Tillman to claim the award. His reaction was one of genuine surprise and excitement.

Expressing his gratitude on air, Richards elaborated on the significance of this recognition. “It means a lot to me to join a very prestigious list of players,” he stated, as reported by U.S. Soccer. “This has been a big year, and we have an even bigger year coming up. This shows how well we’ve done as a team and the momentum we are building towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The upcoming World Cup is particularly momentous, as it will take place largely on home soil.

Richards noted that McAfee’s announcement was a significant moment, emphasizing the growth of soccer in the U.S. and the rising respect for the sport as excitement builds for the World Cup. “It just shows how much the game is growing in the U.S., how much respect there is for the sport, and how much the excitement is building for the World Cup this summer,” he added.

Richards Joins an Elite Club

As the latest recipient of the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year award, Richards joins an illustrious lineage of American soccer talent. Christian Pulisic holds the record for the most awards, receiving it four times, tied with Landon Donovan. Clint Dempsey follows closely with three awards to his name. The recognition for Richards is particularly noteworthy as it comes just a year after Antonee Robinson won the accolade, marking the first time since Marcelo Balboa and Alexi Lalas in 1994 and 1995 that defenders have won in consecutive years.

This recognition not only highlights Richards’ individual talent but also signals a broader trend in U.S. soccer, where defenders are increasingly being acknowledged for their contributions in a sport often dominated by offensive accolades. As the U.S. prepares for the upcoming World Cup, this award serves as a testament to the growing competitiveness and depth of the national team.

With Richards at the forefront, fans and analysts alike are abuzz with anticipation for what the future holds for the USMNT. His achievements pave the way for a promising year ahead, as the team gears up to challenge for glory on the world stage.

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