Richards: We’ve all grown as both players and people

First-team

21 Nov 2025

At a seminal moment for his club, his country, and himself personally, Chris Richards says he and his Crystal Palace teammates are growing with every new experience.

Six months on from lifting the FA Cup, three months on from the raising the Community Shield, at Wembley – and half-a-season out from the United States hosting the FIFA World Cup finals – the 25-year-old has been a resolute presence in the Palace backline of late, with the Eagles impressive defensively so far this season.

Palace’s elevation to a new level – with European football this season and a desire to challenge on four fronts – has come with a natural learning curve, which Richards says has been underscored for him by a personal motivation.

The defender said: “I had a daughter [Luna] this year, and that was something that really changed my focus. It showed me that I have a bit more to do. I want to make sure that she's set for life. It really made me focus more on the pitch.

“Also, I think there’s this togetherness that we have here at Palace and with the national team that I've seen over the last year. We've all grown – not just as players, but as people. I think when those two values align, you can really create something special.

“With Palace, we've worked years for the moments that we had last season. Again, I think we started off the season really well, and it's just been off the back of a lot of hard work.

“Same with the national team. We have a new coach with Mauricio [Pochettino] and he's taught us a lot of new values. We took them on and just tried to do our best with it and I think we're also reaping the benefits of that.”

A key landmark in Richards’ career going up a gear, the defender says, was the FA Cup win which arrived six months ago.

“I remember the week after we won the FA Cup,” he said. “I remember so many people come up to me on the streets, like, ‘you have no idea what you've done for this club.’

“They keep using this word: ‘immortalised.’ We’re half a year out from winning the FA Cup, and people are saying that this will last forever – and it's kind of hard to think like that, because it is so fresh.

“But having been the first Crystal Palace side to win a major trophy, it's amazing. I still don't know if I can fathom it yet.

“I think in 30 years time, I'll look back and be super proud of what I did at this club, but also knowing that I was a part of the team that brought this club its first major trophy. And again, for me, of course, winning a trophy is beautiful.

“But I think it was just seeing how much it meant to everybody in South London, and of course, people who have supported Palace their whole lives. That’s when I first started to understand how deep it was – but again, I don't think I'll fully be able to grasp it until I've hung up the boots.”

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Something the gaffer has always tried to instil in us is: that was just the first step
—Chris Richards

But both Richards and his Manager Oliver Glasner do not want Palace to rest on their laurels, however, as they bid for further glory this season.

The defender added: “Something the gaffer has always tried to instil in us is: that [the FA Cup win] was just the first step.

“If we want to be competing for a title every year, if we want to compete for every trophy, we have to keep pushing ourselves and not be complacent with where we are.

“So, of course, we're happy where we are. But also, we know that we have more room to improve – and so we strap up our boots, and we get going every day.”

Richards was also full of praise for the characters surrounding him in the Palace dressing room, and the natural mix of leadership and support they provide for one another.

“[My fellow defenders] are really great footballers, but even better human beings,” he said. “So, you know, I think we have a good relationship in the back. We’ve had some tough games, and we've also had some good results.

“I think where maybe one of us lacks, the other one picks up and vice versa. I think we complement each other really well, and I can't say enough good things about those guys. They’re fantastic footballers, even better people.

“Honestly, there's a few guys. I think JP [Mateta] is very vocal, definitely among the French and English speakers! He tries to say his three or four words in Spanish to the Spanish speakers, and I don't know if they understand or not – I don't!

“Also, Marc [Guéhi], he's one of the guys who leads by example. He doesn't say too much. But when he does, you know it means something.

“I think everybody contributes in the locker room. You know, there's not one person that could say he doesn't contribute. I think it just shows the togetherness of this team.

“I came in as a shy, timid kid and joined the best league in the world. And now that I'm here, with a few years under my belt, having done a few things for both club and country, I think I've learned a lot. I've learned how to become a leader.

“My locker's right next to Marc, so I've learned a lot from him, and now I think I've become a bit more vocal. Now, with playing, I think also you're allowed to show yourself a bit more, so I think I also try to be a better example.”

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