Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards is fully focused on the club's Premier League campaign after putting the heartbreak of the 2022 World Cup behind him. The 26-year-old center back, a senior figure in the Eagles' defense, spoke to ESPN this week about his journey from that USMNT defeat to becoming a European champion with Palace.
Richards was a key player for the United States men's national team during the 2022 tournament on home soil. The campaign ended in a painful 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. That disappointment is now in the past for the defender, who has since lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy with Crystal Palace after a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in May.
How did Richards become a Palace mainstay?
Chris Richards joined Crystal Palace in 2022 after developing at Bayern Munich, where he played from 2018. His career began at the FC Dallas academy before moving to Germany. He has since established himself as a first-choice center back for the Eagles under new manager Pierre Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner. Richards forms part of a defensive unit that includes summer additions Chadi Riad, Jaydee Canvot, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Axel Disasi.
His importance was clear last season, even as he battled injury. Richards tore his ankle ligaments in a match against Brentford during the 2025-26 campaign. He recovered in time to play a significant part in the Conference League final victory. The defender now uses a Stelo glucose biosensor as part of his recovery and performance regimen. "It became my spirit animal," Richards said of the device in his interview with ESPN.
What is Palace's current situation?
The club's early 2026-27 Premier League form presents a challenge. As of September 2, Crystal Palace sits 18th in the table with zero points from two games, having lost both. They have scored just one goal while conceding six, resulting in a minus-five goal difference. That leaves them six points behind early leaders Manchester City. You can track their progress on our standings page.
Manager Pierre Sage has reshaped the squad with several signings. Alongside the defensive recruits, the club also added players like Maxence Lacroix and Zavier Gozo. This new-look group is tasked with improving results quickly. The team's recent form is marked by two consecutive losses, a streak they will aim to end in their next match.
What's next for Richards and Palace?
The immediate focus is a Premier League fixture against Fulham on September 5. Fulham are currently 16th in the table, making it a significant early-season encounter for both clubs. A positive result at Craven Cottage could provide a platform for Palace to climb away from the relegation zone. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
For Richards, the priority is maintaining his place at the heart of the defense and helping the team secure its first points of the season. His experience from Bayern Munich and his international career with the USMNT makes him a leader in the dressing room. Alongside fellow center backs Riad, Canvot, Tomiyasu, and Disasi, he will be essential to shoring up a defense that has been leaky so far.
Looking at the broader squad picture, the depth of defensive options available to Sage can be seen below.
| Player | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Richards | 26 | Center Back |
| Chadi Riad | 23 | Center Back |
| Jaydee Canvot | 20 | Center Back |
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | 27 | Center Back/Fullback |
| Axel Disasi | 28 | Center Back |
Richards has embraced his role in South London, both on and off the pitch. He even joked about his growing collection of pets, telling ESPN, "We have a little chicken family now." His commitment to Palace is total as the team seeks to turn its season around starting with the trip to face Fulham on September 5.
