Chris Richards (soccer)


Christopher Jeffrey Richards is an American soccer player who plays as a defender for FC Bayern Munich II at the 3. Liga.

Career

Club

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Richards joined FC Dallas Academy in 2017 after spending some time with Texans SC Houston. On April 12, 2018, he signed a contract with FC Dallas becoming their 22nd Homegrown Player. In May 2018, Richards, alongside FC Dallas colleague Thomas Roberts, went to a 10-day trial at FC Bayern Munich as part of an agreement between the two clubs. Due to his performance, in July he was offered a one-year loan with the German club. On July 21, 2018, Richards debuted for Bayern senior team at the 2018 International Champions Cup, replacing Sandro Wagner in the 62nd minute of the 3–1 win against Paris Saint-Germain F.C. During the 2018/2019 season, he spent time with Bayern München U19s becoming a team regular starter and getting praises for his aerial abilities and his passing skills. On January 19, 2019, Richards signed a $1.5 million permanent contract with FC Bayern Munich. On August 19, 2019, he made his professional debut when he started for FC Bayern Munich II at the 3. Liga in their 2–1 away win against Hallescher FC. On June 20, 2020, he made his Bundesliga debut in a 3–1 victory against Freiburg.

International

In January 2018, Richards was called for the MNT Youth National Team Summit Camp, which gathered 153 players from U16, U17, U18, U19, and U20 Youth National Teams. In May 2018, he made his debut for the United States U20 team in a match against Honduras. On November 12, 2018, Richards was called for the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship as one of the three replacements allowed before the beginning of the "Qualification Stage". He, then, started in two of the three tournament's remaining matches, including the final, a 2–0 win, against Mexico. On May 10, 2019, Richards was included by coach Tab Ramos in the 21-man squad called to represent the United States at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The defender started all the five matches the Americans played in the tournament, including the stunning 3–2 win against heavy favorites, France. Richards played the entire game in all but one of the matches.

Career statistics

Club