Chris Richards, the Birmingham, Alabama native, has become a prominent figure in American soccer, now recognized as one of the top defenders for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT).
Despite an untimely injury sidelining him prior to the 2022 World Cup, Richards has made significant strides in his career, establishing himself in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace, and celebrating victories that include the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, the 25-year-old has also taken on the role of a key leader within the USMNT locker room. His engaging personality and infectious smile have made him a favorite among teammates and coaches alike.
In a candid interview, Richards opened up about his journey from Alabama to becoming an international soccer star, sharing insights about his life, challenges, and aspirations outside the pitch.
From an early age, soccer was not the most prevalent sport in Alabama, a state often associated with football culture. With only a few youth soccer clubs in the area at the time, Richards recalls a competitive landscape dominated by teams from neighboring states like Tennessee and Georgia, which highlighted the disparity in soccer development.
Richards noted the transformation of the soccer scene in Alabama, mentioning the emergence of professional teams such as Birmingham Legion and the presence of clubs like Nashville SC and Atlanta United in MLS.
Realizing that he needed to pursue opportunities outside of Alabama for his soccer career, Richards took a bold step at the young age of 16. Inspired by his friend Tanner Tessmann’s success at FC Dallas, he reached out to the FC Dallas academy.
Despite initially facing rejection, Richards moved to Houston, where he found a nurturing host family that significantly influenced his path. He recounts that this experience solidified his determination to become a professional soccer player.
During his formative years, Richards played various positions on the field before focusing on central defense, which he only transitioned to around the age of 15.
Athletically gifted, he also participated in basketball and track, but his father’s concerns kept him from tackling football, given its overwhelming popularity in Alabama.
Richards humorously reminisced about being approached by football coaches during his earlier years when he was smaller in stature. However, he ultimately decided to pursue soccer passionately, leading to his career in the sport.
His parents played a significant role in shaping his athletic journey. With a dad who played professional basketball overseas and a mom who swam and played soccer, Richards was influenced by a rich athletic background, although it was soccer that captivated his heart.
He fondly remembers his early introduction to soccer through a nursery school program, a sport that he gravitated toward, especially because of the lack of familiarity from his father, who mainly knew basketball.
Richards also shared his enthusiasm for basketball, citing NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Kyrie Irving as his favorite players. He has even had the opportunity to meet notable figures from the NBA, including Dominique Wilkins and Kemba Walker.
Among the most memorable encounters, Richards highlights meeting Prince William after winning the FA Cup and nodding at Matt Damon on a flight, despite hearing he was unfriendly. His admiration for historical films is evident, with “Saving Private Ryan” being his all-time favorite, deeply rooted in his fascination with World War II and his great-grandfather’s experiences.
If soccer had not taken precedence, Richards revealed he would have pursued a career as a shoe designer or a history teacher, given his love for storytelling through tattoos, something he began exploring later in life.
His first tattoo, marking the date he left home, was a transformative experience, symbolizing a new chapter in his life. Over time, Richards has accumulated various tattoos that reflect his life story, from personal milestones to tributes to influential figures like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King.
Richards expressed his desire to convey messages through his body art, creating a narrative that might tell his story long after his memories fade.
A notable tattoo he boasts is of John Carlos and Tommie Smith, commemorating their iconic moment at the 1968 Olympics, illustrating his commitment to acknowledging significant historical events, especially those affecting the African-American community.
Movies play a crucial role in Richards’ entertainment, with a penchant for Quentin Tarantino films and a variety of genres. He enjoys house music along with hip-hop and country, finding inspiration in artists like Shaboozey and British rapper Dave.
An interesting tradition among new USMNT players is the requirement to perform a song in front of the group. Richards admitted he felt nervous during his turn, choosing Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” but shared an amusing anecdote from his time in Germany when he attempted to lighten the mood through a popular American song.
Reflecting on his journey as a soccer player, Richards recalls his earliest memory of watching the national team, which was the dramatic World Cup match in 2010 against Algeria when Landon Donovan scored a memorable goal, solidifying the significance of the USMNT in his life.
Throughout his youth, Richards looked up to various players, initially idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo during his time as a winger, before moving on to center backs like Jerome Boateng and Sergio Ramos as he matured into his current role.
A unique aspect that contributes to his visibility on the field is his hairstyle, which has evolved over time. Initially a stylistic choice, it now serves a more meaningful purpose, ensuring that his family can recognize him amid the action during games.
From humble beginnings in Alabama to the prestigious Bayern Munich, Richards’ transition was swift and transformative. Reflecting on his initial days in Germany, he recalled his awe in sharing the locker room with world-class players, often feeling intimidated while grappling with the language barrier.
Though poised to return to Dallas, the decision to stay with Bayern marked a pivotal moment in his career, ultimately shaping his trajectory and leading to further opportunities.
Richards’ parents faced the emotional toll of their son leaving home at such a young age, particularly his mother, who found it challenging to say goodbye to her firstborn.
To maintain connection to his roots while living abroad, Richards embraced the movie-going culture, frequently seeking out English films in Germany and adapting to life in the diverse city of London, where he appreciates the vibrant mix of cultures.
The adjustment of driving on the opposite side of the road was an adventure, further adding to the myriad of changes he faced navigating his new lives overseas.
As Richards looks ahead to his legacy, his aspirations extend beyond soccer. He aims to be depicted as the best defender to have played for the national team, anchored in his love for defending, while also hoping to be remembered as a better human being than an athlete.
In considering his future, Richards has evolved from wanting to become a coach to aspiring to be an agent, allowing him to remain close to his family while shaping the next generation of players.
His journey into fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on life, highlighting the importance of responsibility and the profound joy that comes with nurturing a child, ultimately reshaping his priorities in beautiful ways.
As his career unfolds, Chris Richards stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring soccer players, demonstrating resilience, passion, and dedication not only on the field but off it as well.
image source from：foxsports
