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

Twitter

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

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

Goals Outside Box

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

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

The Crystal Palace vice-captain, who has previously represented his country at Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-20s level – last doing so in October 2019 – has been rewarded for his fine form in South London by France boss Didier Deschamps.

The 25-year-old has travelled with France to the United States for a pair of pre-World Cup friendlies against two South American opponents, first taking on Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts tonight (Thursday 26th March, 20:00 GMT kick-off), before facing Colombian – featuring Daneil Muñoz and Jeferson Lerma – in Maryland on Sunday night.

Should he debut in either fixture, it would mark an exciting step in Lacroix’s career, with the Frenchman – speaking after last week’s game in Larnaca, before news of his call-up – saying: “This is in my mind, of course – I'm French. I want to play for my nation.

“We have a beautiful squad, a beautiful competition in the USA, so everything is good, and I will work to go there, of course.

“I think it’s a big achievement [to be called up]. I am proud of where I come from, and also the work I've done with all the people around me. 

“But I think it's not only my achievement. It's the achievement of my family, of the people around me, the people who helped me.”


Like the gaffer likes to say, we don't have a ceiling anymore

Best of Maxence Lacroix 

Lacroix added: “My dream is to win the World Cup. I want to win the World Cup with France.

“At Palace, of course, right now it's to win the Conference League. We can't win the Premier League right now, but in the Conference League, we have our chance – so this is our ambition.

“We are proud about what we did [reaching the quarter-finals], but this is not enough. You always want more. The competition is not finished. 

“We have now two more games to play [[against Fiorentina in the last eight](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/tickets/home-ticket-details-palace-fiorentina-conference-league-april/)] and we will do everything to go until the end, because this is the goal. We don't want to say just: ‘Okay, we've been to the quarter-final, the semi-final, the final’. No, we want to do something in this competition.

“It’s always lovely to make history, especially for a club like this, and we want to write the story. I think it's not finished.

“Like the gaffer likes to say, we don't have a ceiling anymore. We want to go further and further and we want to create another legend.”

Palace’s win in Larnaca last week prompted jubilant celebrations from Lacroix and his teammates at full-time, with the whole squad joining in the Frenchman’s signature full-time ‘fist pump’ celebrations in front of the away end.

Describing why that is his celebration of choice, Lacroix smiled: “The feeling is I want to give my last power, my last energy to them [the fans]. 

“When you finish the game, you're tired. You give everything. But you still have something for them, to say: ‘OK, we fight until the very, very end.’

“We won. We are together. And to say thank you, to celebrate together. 

“I think it's a beautiful image when all the team did the celebration with us.”

### **Match Details**

**Brazil v France**

- Thursday, 26th March
- 20:00 GMT
- Gillette Stadium
- Friendly

**Colombia v France**

- Sunday, 29th March
- 21:00 BST
- Northwest Stadium
- Friendly

Maxence Lacroix is delighted with the ‘big achievement’ of his first senior international call-up for France – but wants more glory for both club and country this season.

Lacroix reveals what France call-up means to him

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

Crystal Palace

UEFA Conference League

AEK Larnaca

Last Match

Fiorentina

Next Match

FLASH SALE - 25% Of Selected Kit

**It's all set to be an action-packed family-friendly matchday in SE25 – so here is what you can expect from Sunday's Selhurst Showdown...**

Buy Selhurst Showdown tickets here!

#### **Selhurst Showdown**

Palace Women will return to Selhurst Park for the first time since November 2024, as they take on first-place Charlton in the Barclays Women's Super League 2.

On the pitch, the game could be prove decisive in the race for promotion - as Palace find themselves in third-place.

This season, the top two teams will earn automatic promotion to the WSL and the third-place team in the WSL2 will contest a play-off against the bottom team in the topflight.

Off the pitch, there will be something for everyone to enjoy - from our bustling Fanzone to activations in the concourse and on the pitch at half-time.

**Read below to see what's on offer!**

#### **What to expect from our Fanzone?**

The **Fanzone opens at 12:00 BST**, two hours before kick-off, and is packed with family-friendly games and activities. It's the perfect place to get into the matchday spirit!

**You can look forward to a range of exciting attractions, including:**

- **Foundation takeover:** The Palace for Life foundation will be in the Fanzone and speaking at halftime.
- **Photobooth:** Our popular photobooth will be back in the Fanzone!
- **Arts and Crafts station:** Create something special with our popular Arts and Crafts station.
- **Face-painter:** Show your support in style and get your face painted with the Palace colours.
- **Motorsport UK & Marylebone Cricket Club:** [Motorsport UK - Race for Diversity](https://www.motorsportuk.org/about-us/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/initiatives/race-for-diversity/) and [MCC](https://www.lords.org/mcc/mcc-cricket/mcc-cricket) will be there to share opportunities for fans to engage with their programmes and raise awareness about their collaboration with CPFC on the [Level Up - Women in Sport series](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/club/level-up-women-in-sport-series-launches-at-selhurst-park/).

#### **What else can I expect?**

- **Half-time penalty shootout:** We are bringing our famous penalty shootout to the pitch at Selhurst Park!
- **Pete and Alice:** Get your photo taken with our beloved club mascots, Pete and Alice, who will be there to meet fans of all ages.

### **Match Details**

- **Crystal Palace Women vs Charlton Athletic Women**
- **Sunday, 29th March (14:00 BST)**
- **Barclays Women's Super League 2**
- **Selhurst Park**

**First time at Selhurst Park? Check out our Supporters Guide below!**

Supporters Guide

Crystal Palace Women's next home game is against Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park this Sunday (14:00 BST KO) – and over 3,000 tickets have now been taken up for the crucial clash, which could be decisive in the race for promotion. 

Over 3,000 tickets sold; What to expect from Sunday's Selhurst Showdown!

Crystal Palace Women v Charlton Athletic Women (2026-03-29)

In defeating AEK Larnaca on Thursday evening, the Eagles became the first English team to reach the quarter-finals of a major UEFA competition in their debut European season since 1979.

Next month, that adventure will continue against Serie A side, Fiorentina, who have reached two of the UEFA Conference League’s four finals. Palace will therefore be counting on the full South London support on **Thursday, 9th April (20:00 BST kick-off)** for a historic night under the lights at Selhurst Park.

Ticket prices are frozen from previous rounds, meaning supporters can enjoy a European quarter-final from as little as £20.

More information regarding the second leg in Florence – scheduled for Thursday, 16th April – will be made available in due course. We are once again exploring a chartered flight for our supporters, following the success of our trips to Strasbourg and Mostar.

**Supporters are urged to read the below information about the home leg in full before purchasing tickets.**

#### **Sales Phases**

*All phases subject to availability.*

**Phase 1:** **Season Ticket Holders** can purchase their own, reserved seat by following the step-by-step guide under the heading ‘How to purchase in Phase 1’ below.

- **From 10:00, Wednesday 25th March:** Online only
- **From 14:00, Wednesday 25th March**: Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)
- *Please note that this sales phase will close at 17:30 on Thursday,26th March.*

**Phase 2:** **All displaced Season Ticket Holders** can purchase up to two tickets per person.

- **From 18:00, Thursday 26th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Friday 27th March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 3:** Season Ticket+ Holders, Gold Members and Junior Gold Members can purchase up to two tickets per person.

- **From 15:00, Friday 27th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Saturday 28th March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 4:** All other Members and Season Ticket Holders can purchase up to two tickets per person.

- **From 10:00, Sunday 29th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Monday 30th March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 5**: All Season Ticket Holders and Members can purchase four tickets per person (or two or three additional tickets if already purchased, up to a maximum of four per person).

- **From 17:30, Monday 30th March:** Online only
- **From 09:00, Tuesday 31st March:** Via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

#### **Premium Matchday Packages**

Upgrade your matchday to make this European clash even more special, creating memories with friends or family that will be cherished for generations to come. 

With a range of Premium lounges to choose from, all of which offering modern dining and inclusive drinks throughout your night, and prices starting from **£234 inc. VAT**, explore our packages now or speak to a member of our team today to start your planning.

Book now - no Membership required

Speak to our team

#### **Ticket Distribution**

All general admission tickets for this fixture will be emailed approximately one week before the game to the transaction owner.

Tickets will be available as PDF Print at Home tickets, or Digital tickets to download to your Apple or Google Wallet.

#### **How to purchase in Phase 1**

Season Ticket Holders looking to purchase their own seats can do so by following the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log in to **[the Ticketing section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebStory-270226-LarnacaTickets)** of the website.
2. Click the **‘My Account’ icon** in the top-right hand corner of the screen.
3. Click **‘Reserved Tickets’**.
4. Click **'Show Reserved Tickets'** and then add the tickets you wish to purchase to your basket.
5. Click the **basket** in the top-right of the screen and then follow the remaining on-screen instructions to checkout.

Season Ticket Holders who wish to purchase their own seats should note that they will be **unable to change the age band** of their usual ticket. For example, if your Season Ticket was purchased as an Adult, you can only purchase your reserved ticket as an Adult.

#### **Prices**

**Season Ticket Holders (Phases 1 & 2):**

- **Adults:** £35
- **Seniors (65+) and 18-21s:** £25
- **Under 18s:** £20

**All ticket purchases from Phase 3 onwards:**

- **Adults:** £40
- **Seniors (65+) and 18-21s:** £30
- **Under 18s:** £25

#### **Important Information**

After Phase 1, all tickets can be purchased in the standard way via our **[Ticketing website](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/)**.

To purchase tickets on behalf of a friend or family member, you must have a strong relationship, which can be set in the **Friends and Family section** of the Ticketing website. **[Click here to find out how to do this](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/how-to-use-palace-app-and-website).**

Unfortunately, due to UEFA requirements and the addition of a singing section, a small number of Season Ticket Holders will be displaced and instead offered a priority on all remaining seats in Phase 2. All displaced supporters will be emailed in advance of tickets going on sale.

#### **Match Details**

**Crystal Palace v ACF Fiorentina**

- Thursday, 9th April
- 20:00 BST
- Selhurst Park
- UEFA Conference League quarter-finals, first leg

Tickets for the first leg of our UEFA Conference League quarter-final against ACF Fiorentina, which will be played at Selhurst Park, are now on sale to qualifying supporters (see Sales Phases below).

Witness history: Tickets for Fiorentina (H) now on sale

Club

Club

Lacroix reveals what France call-up means to him

Over 3,000 tickets sold; What to expect from Sunday's Selhurst Showdown!

Witness history: Tickets for Fiorentina (H) now on sale

FLASH SALE - 25% Of Selected Kit

26ChrisRichards

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