Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## Born in the USA

> After a remarkable two-year journey from Alabama to Bayern Munich, Chris Richards fulfilled a lifelong dream when he moved to the Premier League with Crystal Palace in 2022.

Born in Alabama, USA, Richards began his career near Houston before joining F.C. Dallas’ Academy and earning a professional contract there.

He moved to Houston and then Dallas aged 16 – both over 600 miles from his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where his parents still live – and initially lived alone with a host family. He then made the even larger jump of joining Bayern Munich aged 18, where he learnt fluent German and made his senior debut shortly after signing.

From here Richards’ rise was swift: he made his senior debut in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, his professional debut with Bayern Munich II in 2019, and his full Bayern debut in June 2020. A few months later he featured as a substitute in the German side’s DFL-Supercup win over Borussia Dortmund.

The young defender went on to represent Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League before joining 1899 Hoffenheim on loan in 2021. He has played a total of 82 professional matches.

Richards began his international career early, too, competing with the US Under-20s to win the CONCACAF U20 Championship aged 18. His performances at this level earned him a senior debut in November 2020, coming on as a substitute against Panama. Richards has since amassed seven further caps.

He made his debut for the Eagles at Anfield as a second-half substitute in August 2022. Richards went on to make his first start for the club, after a leg injury, in January 2023 in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

Commenting on his first start he said: “It was worth the wait! Being able to make it \[my first Premier League start\] at home, especially in a game like tonight, was amazing."

His performances against Manchester United home and away, along with keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United, saw him win the club's Player of the Month award in January 2023.

Richards' first domestic season in red and blue ended with 10 appearances in total, however he also managed to score his first international goal in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League against Canada to guide the United States to a 2-0 win.

The 2023/24 campaign saw Richards establish more of a place in the side, playing multiple roles as a centre-back, defensive midfielder and even as a right-back. He racked up 30 appearances in total, and scored his first goal against Burnley in a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Richards also found CONCACAF Nations League success once more, winning the title again in a 2-0 win over Mexico in March 2024. He was also recognised for his exceptional work with the Palace for Life Foundation - winning the PFA Community Champion award.

In 2024/25, Richards made 32 appearances across all competitions - six of which were in the FA Cup, where he played every single minute on the way to making history in the final against Manchester City.

2020

IFFHS Men's World Youth Team

January 2023

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

2023/24

PFA Community Champion

Richards

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Appearances

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Richards reflects on Mostar

Richards reflects on 100th Palace appearance

CPFC x SunExpress aircraft livery

Chris Richards Previews Fulham

The best of our Defenders | Brighton (H)

Chris speaks on victory against Brentford

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 1-1 Millwall

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v Millwall | Palace TV+

Chris speaks on win against Millwall

Richards reflects on victory at Villa Park

Chris speaks on tough game against Nottingham Forest

Chris speaks on solid performance against Chelsea

Richards on the final game at Anfield 

Fa Cup Final | Chris Richards & Matt Turner | Post Match Interview

Richards praises team spirit

Goals Inside Box

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Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

Recoveries

Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

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Fouls won

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Season

Games

**Here's what the Norway international had to say ahead of the biggest fixture of his short Palace career to date.**

### **On how he is finding life at Palace...**

I feel like since I've come here, there has been a change of form in the team.

I saw the results weren't perfect before I came. I had a tough half a season before I joined.

But it's a group of hard working players and staff here. We've shown what we can do. We've had some games where we could have done more. Hopefully tomorrow we can show more and win the game.

### **On the first leg and finishing chances...**

I think especially in the last leg at half-time we should have been 2-0 up and then going into half-time we have a belief to score in the second half, but obviously we don't want to take too much risk because we know that they have quality as well. 

We felt like we deserved to win the last game. 

Personally I feel like we're creating quite a lot and for me as a striker that's bang on what I want, that's exactly how I want to play.

This playing style fits me and... I've had a decent start.

I'm just here to continue on that and create more chances and get more goals.

### **On potential competition for places in attack...**

It's important to have competition in the team and obviously what JP [Mateta] has done for the club has been amazing.

I'm just here because I'm myself. I'm not here to change. I think me and JP have a lot of similarities but we're also kind of different. So some games maybe it will fit for us to play together to go and win the game. Then some games it will be him or me [starting]. 

So I feel like how it's been now in the last two games has been fine and obviously we're both hungry strikers who want to score goals and I think that's the most important thing.

### **On whether he could feature with Mateta tomorrow...**

I think we're similar in some positive attributes, particularly around linking-up play and box play obviously. I feel like at some point probably it can help the team.

But we will see. It always depends on the game. I feel like it has been like that everywhere I've been in my career.

We never now when that moment will be, so we will see. But at the moment I'm happy in the way we play and we're here to win the game tomorrow after a draw in the last game.

If we need both of us on the pitch we're happy to do that.

Forward Jørgen Strand Larsen and Manager Oliver Glasner faced the media earlier ahead of Palace's decisive Round of 16 second leg against AEK Larnaca on Thursday in the UEFA Conference League (17:45 GMT).

Strand Larsen shares his hopes for second leg in Cyprus

AEK Larnaca v Crystal Palace (2026-03-19)

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Palace face AEK Larnaca away in our UEFA Conference League Round of 16 second leg on **Thursday evening (19th March, 17:45 GMT / 19:45 EET local time)** – the score 0-0 following last week's Selhurst Park encounter – and **[Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)** is offering **live audio commentary** to users via **[cpfc.co.uk](http://cpfc.co.uk)** and the **[Official Crystal Palace App](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/palace-app-upgraded-download-and-use-now/).**

In addition, across the next week, supporters can watch three Academy matches [LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/), with crucial fixtures in the U18 Premier League South, Premier League 2 and Premier League International Cup.

From a E**uropean knockout clash under the lights**, to a fierce **rivalry with Brighton** and a **key title-race encounter**, there’s plenty at stake across a packed schedule for the young Eagles...

Subscribe to Palace TV+

Palace TV+ is available via three passes: an **Annual** pass (£37.99) for unlimited access for a year, a **Monthly** pass (£5.49) or **Weekly** pass (£3.99), all of which auto-renew until cancelled.

### Already played

#### Under-18s: Fulham 2-2 Palace

Palace U18s began the week with a 2-2 draw away to Fulham on Tuesday evening, with highlights below.

U18 Highlights: Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

### Wednesday (19th)

#### Under-21s: Palace V Real Sociedad B

On **Wednesday evening (19:00 GMT)**, attention turns to European competition as Palace U21s host Real Sociedad B in the Premier League International Cup quarter-finals.

Darren Powell’s side booked their place in the last eight after topping Group B with nine points, sealing qualification with a decisive 2–0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Standing in their way are Spanish side Real Sociedad B, who arrive with the best record in this season’s competition after collecting 10 points from four matches.

Unlike many Academy teams in the tournament, Sociedad operate a reserve side competing in Spain’s professional league system. Their B team currently play in La Liga 2, sitting mid-table and arriving in South London in strong form after winning four of their last five matches.

The sides previously met in the competition during the 2024/25 season, when Palace earned a draw with Adler Nascimento on the scoresheet.

With a place in the International Cup semi-finals on the line, supporters can watch what promises to be an exciting night under the lights at Sutton.

### Match Details:

**Crystal Palace U21s v Real Sociedad B**

- Wednesday, 18th March
- 19:00 GMT
- VBS Community Stadium
- Premier League International Cup
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)

### Ticket Prices:

- Adults: £5
- Seniors (Over-65s): £1
- Juniors (Under-18s): £1
- Academy Founder Members: Free (1 per AFM)

Tickets can also be purchased by **[clicking here](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=15&preFilterName=8.%20Academy%20Matches)** and will be issued at the point of sale as PDF print-at-home tickets.

Buy Real Sociedad tickets

### Thursday (19th)

#### First-team: Audio commentary of Larnaca v Palace

Palace's senior side must defeat AEK Larnaca in Cyprus to advance from their UEFA Conference League Round of 16 tie on Thursday evening (19th March, 17:45 GMT / 19:45 EET local time).

**[Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)** offers **live audio commentary** to users via **[cpfc.co.uk](http://cpfc.co.uk)** and the **[Official Crystal Palace App](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/palace-app-upgraded-download-and-use-now/).**

### Saturday (21st)

#### Under-18s: Palace v Brighton

**Saturday morning (11:00 GMT)** brings one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in the Academy calendar as Brighton visit the Palace Academy.

The rivalry needs little introduction, and with both teams firmly involved in the U18 Premier League South title race, there will be plenty at stake beyond bragging rights.

Brighton currently sit fourth on 31 points, just three behind Palace, although the young Eagles hold a game in hand.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season proved a difficult afternoon for Palace, with Brighton running out 4-0 winners at the Amex Elite Performance Centre – just the second team to prevent Alonso’s side from scoring in the league this season, alongside Leicester.

With revenge on the mind and crucial points on the line in the title race, supporters can expect a competitive encounter when the rivals meet again...

### Match Details:

**Crystal Palace U18s v Brighton U18s**

- Saturday, 21st March
- 11:00 GMT
- Crystal Palace Academy
- U18 Premier League South
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

### Sunday (22nd)

#### Under-21s: Liverpool v Palace

The week concludes with a challenging Premier League 2 trip to Liverpool on **Sunday afternoon (13:00 GMT)**.

Palace head into the fixture unbeaten in their last two league matches, following a 2–1 victory over Blackburn Rovers and a 2–2 draw with Wolves.

Against Wolves, the young Eagles showed resilience after falling behind early. Zach Marsh levelled before substitute Jemiah Umolu made an immediate impact from the bench to secure a point with a well-taken half-volley.

The result leaves Powell’s side 12th in Premier League 2 on 25 points, currently inside the play-off places with three matches remaining. With just five points separating Palace from 21st in a tightly contested table, every point will prove vital in the race for the end-of-season knockout stage.

Liverpool will provide a stern test, however. The Reds sit third in the division on 35 points and arrive in strong form after winning four of their last five matches.

It sets up another intriguing encounter as Palace look to strengthen their play-off hopes against one of the league’s top sides.

### Match Details:

**Liverpool U21s v Crystal Palace U21s**

- Sunday, 22nd March
- 13:00 GMT
- Liverpool Academy
- Premier League 2
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

It’s a huge week for both Crystal Palace and the Eagles' Academy, with Oliver Glasner's first-team in Europe, and both our Under-18s and Under-21s in action twice across league and cup competitions.

A HUGE week on Palace TV+: Find out what's LIVE!

Fulham U18 v Crystal Palace U18 (2026-03-17)

Crystal Palace U21 v Real Sociedad U21 (2026-03-18)

Crystal Palace U18 v Brighton and Hove Albion U18 (2026-03-21)

Liverpool U21 v Crystal Palace U21 (2026-03-22)

BUY REAL SOCIEDAD TICKETS HERE

Palace’s European journey continues at Under-21 level this season as Darren Powell’s side host Real Sociedad B in a hugely exciting knockout clash under the lights at the VBS.

The young Eagles booked their place in the last eight after finishing top of Group B with nine points, edging out Borussia Mönchengladbach on goal difference after a decisive 2–0 victory over the German side in their final group game.

Palace’s campaign included an impressive 3–1 victory over Juventus, where Adler Nascimento, Seb Williams and Benji Casey all found the net, as well as a thrilling 3–2 win against FC Nordsjælland.

Knowing only a victory by two goals would secure qualification in their final group fixture, Powell’s side rose to the challenge against Mönchengladbach.

Dylan Reid opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Casey doubled the lead, while a disciplined defensive display – including key interventions from Jackson Izquierdo and Tyler Whyte – ensured Palace sealed their place in the quarter-finals.

Next up are Sociedad, who topped Group C with 10 points from four matches, finishing ahead of European giants such as Benfica, PSG and Chelsea.

Unlike most academy sides in the competition, Sociedad operate a B team – a reserve side that competes in the Spanish professional league system. Currently playing in La Liga 2, they sit 12th in the table and arrive in strong form having won four of their last five matches.

Sociedad are competing in the International Cup for just the second time, having first entered the competition during the 2024/25 season.

The two teams met during that campaign in September 2024, when Palace drew with the Spanish side, with Adler Nascimento scoring his first goal of the season for the young Eagles.

With a place in the International Cup semi-finals on the line, supporters can get behind Powell’s side at the VBS for what promises to be an exciting night under the lights.

Tickets are available from just £1. Find out more about how to follow the match and ticket information, below!

### HOW TO FOLLOW

The match will be streamed **LIVE on Palace TV+** TONIGHT (Wednesday, 18th March), with coverage beginning at **18:45 GMT** ahead of a **19:00 GMT** kick-off **[– click HERE to find out more and subscribe](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)**.

Supporters can follow live commentary on our **[Academy X (Twitter) page](https://x.com/CPFCAcademy)**, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our **[Academy news section](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/academy/)**. There will be highlights and extended reaction on [Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/).

Tickets for the game are available from just £1 - **[click HERE for more information.](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/985?position)**

### MATCH DETAILS

**Crystal Palace Under-21s v Real Sociedad Under-21s**

- TONIGHT (Wednesday, 18th March)
- 19:00 GMT
- VBS Community Stadium
- Premier League International Cup
- Watch LIVE on [Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)
- Buy tickets [HERE](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/985?position)

### TICKET PRICES:

- Adults: £5
- Seniors (Over-65s): £1
- Juniors (Under-18s): £1
- Academy Founder Members: Free (1 per AFM)

Tickets can also be purchased by **[clicking here](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=15&preFilterName=8.%20Academy%20Matches)** and will be issued at the point of sale as PDF print-at-home tickets.

Tickets are now available for Crystal Palace Under-21s’ Premier League International Cup quarter-final against Spanish side Real Sociedad TONIGHT (Wednesday, 18th March, 19:00 GMT) at Sutton’s VBS Community Stadium.

First-team

First-team

Strand Larsen shares his hopes for second leg in Cyprus

A HUGE week on Palace TV+: Find out what's LIVE!

Tickets on sale for TONIGHT'S International Cup quarter-final with Real Sociedad (19:00 GMT)

Shop Palace Shirts

26Chris
Richards

First-team

First-team

Strand Larsen shares his hopes for second leg in Cyprus

A HUGE week on Palace TV+: Find out what's LIVE!

Tickets on sale for TONIGHT'S International Cup quarter-final with Real Sociedad (19:00 GMT)

Shop Palace Shirts

26ChrisRichards

26Chris
Richards