Crystal Palace FC are set to embark on our first-ever major European adventure in 2025/26, battling to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## World Cup winner

> Having made more than 100 appearances for Crystal Palace and now a regular captain of the side, Marc Guéhi has matured well beyond his years since moving to south London.

He joined Palace in summer 2021, signing a five-year contract with the club, and committing his services until summer 2026.

Guéhi was born in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and moved to England aged one. He spent much of his early years in Lewisham and began his youth career with Bromley-based Cray Wanderers.

It didn’t take long for Guéhi to attract attention and, aged just seven, he was scouted by Chelsea.

Progressing over the following decade with the Blues, Guéhi did enough to stay at the club year on year and reaped the rewards with an immensely successful peer group.

Winning the treble with the Blues’ Under-18s in 2016/17, Guéhi signed his first professional contract in September 2017 and went on to help Chelsea scoop the quadruple – including the FA Youth Cup and league – that same season.

Guéhi’s Academy team helped to reinforce Chelsea’s image as one of the fiercest youth sides in England, as the centre-back played alongside the likes of Reece James, Tariq Lamptey, Billy Gilmour, Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

But it wasn’t just at club level where Guéhi enjoyed success with a noteworthy youth team, as the teenager won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017. Indeed, Guéhi captained the Young Lions to the U17 European Championship final that same year and scored in the World Cup final just months later.

These performances ensured Guéhi was rewarded with a taste of first-team football, and he began to be named in Chelsea squads in spring 2019 – being a senior substitute on four occasions in 18/19.

His breakthrough came in the League Cup against Grimsby Town as the Blues stormed to a 7-1 victory with Guéhi in the backline. He again earned professional minutes for Chelsea in a fourth-round defeat against Manchester United, and secured a loan move to Swansea City shortly after.

Guéhi fought to secure his place over a half-season with the Swans that was disrupted by the league’s suspension in March. Having returned from the pause, Guéhi played in Swansea’s final five matches and helped to clinch a sixth-place finish.

Play-off heartbreak came for the first of two times as Swansea lost on aggregate to Brentford in the semi-finals, but Guéhi went on to enjoy personal progression the following season regardless.

2020/21 was something of a landmark for the defender, who returned to Swansea on loan for a full campaign and played 45 games. He became recognised as one of the league’s brightest talents and helped Swansea climb further up the table with a fourth-place finish.

Swansea and Guéhi continued to go one better than 19/20 by reaching the play-off final, but football showed its unforgiving side once again as Brentford overcame them for a second time. Guéhi played in every minute of the three play-off matches.

Guéhi describes himself as “strong, comfortable on the ball and hopefully growing to be a leader one day.”

These traits are evident in his play, with the 21-year-old having captained England Under-21s and made himself a mainstay for Swansea despite being one of the squad’s youngest players.

His attitude became clear when a post-match interview with him went viral across social media. Having earned a spot at Wembley and consecutive Man of the Match awards from Sky Sports, Guéhi humbly rebuked the accolades by saying: “The first time I was really surprised. Now I think it’s getting a bit ridiculous! Everyone was fantastic today, to a man. I could name everyone. For me to get this again, I don’t know.”

On the pitch, Guéhi is assertive and vocal, often heard organising his teammates with confidence. This confidence is reflected in his willingness to drive out from the back and distribute possession from relatively high up the pitch.

His first season in south London saw him feature in all but two of the games in 2021/22, making 42 appearances in total. His first goal for the club came in a chaotic 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor. Guéhi captained the side for the first time against Watford in February 2022, becoming the youngest player to captain the side since Nathaniel Clyne in 2012.

A month later, he earned his first ever call-up to the full England squad and made his debut in a 2-1 win against Switzerland.

Guéhi continued to be a rock at the heart of the Palace defence in 2022/23, forming a formidable partnership with Joachim Andersen. He was nearly ever-present in 22/23, playing in 40 out of a possible 41 games.

The 2023/24 campaign saw Guéhi again continue as a stalwart at the back, though in the latter half of the season he did suffer a knee injury which kept him out for two months. He concluded 23/24 with 29 appearances in all competitions.

He was called up to the England men's senior squad ahead of the 2024 UEFA European Championship and earned his 10th cap for the Three Lions with a solid defensive display and clean sheet against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024.

Guéhi played a huge role at the heart of the England defence in the 2024 UEFA European Championship, playing every single minute he was eligible for as England finished runners-up in the tournament. He managed to to keep two clean sheets and register an assist for Jude Bellingham's sensational last-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16.

In 2024/25, Guéhi continued to be one of the first names on the teamsheet and captained the side on a regular basis. He played in 44 games across all competitions, keeping 14 clean sheets, scoring three times and registering two assists. 

Guéhi also made history alongside Palace legend Joel Ward on the 17th May 2025 - going up the famous Wembley steps to lift the FA Cup, after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. 

UEFA European Under-17 Championship, 2017

Team of the Tournament

March 2022, March 2023

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

Crystal Palace, 2021/22

Players' Player of the Season

January 2025

Crystal Palace Goal of the Month

Guéhi

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Guéhi praises team spirit

Guéhi reacts to clean sheet

The Best of Marc Guèhi | Brentford (H)

Pre-match Press Conference | FC Dynamo Kyiv 

Goal AND Player of the month: Marc Guehi

Goal of the month contenders | August 2025

Extended Highlights: Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

The Full 90: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Match Highlights: Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace

Behind The Scenes | Kit Shoot

Introducing our 25/26 Eagle Gold kit 

Introducing the 25/26 Home Kit

Access All Over | FA Cup Final

Pre-match Press Conference: Manchester City (N) | FA Cup Final

Marc reacts to Semi-final victory

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**Ahead of the game, relive five of our favourite Premier League goals against Fulham in the Palace TV video below!**

Top 5 Goals at Craven Cottage

### **Match Details**

**Fulham v Crystal Palace**

- Sunday, 7th December
- 16:30 GMT
- Premier League
- Craven Cottage
- [Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)

Crystal Palace head to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon to face Fulham, looking to record back-to-back away wins in the Premier League.

Jaïro, Jason & Jeffrey: Five of our best PL goals at Craven Cottage

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We started with a little bit of tension, and we improved as the game went on

Reflecting on the performance, Alonso said: “I think we improved with time. We started with a little bit of tension, a little bit nervous, and we improved as the game went on. 

“We changed the shape at half-time and I think we improved with the 4-4-2. We created chances in the first half, but we didn't punish. And I think in the second half, we deserved to score goals.

“With the penalty, it doesn't matter. But yes, good result. We qualified, and I'm happy to continue playing in the FA Youth Cup.”

Bradford posed a different kind of challenge – a Category 3 side and almost an unknown entity for the young Eagles.

“I think they did really good,” Alonso continued. “We expected a little bit more low block, maybe, but they tried to play with the ball and also tried to go in high press. I think they gave their best – a really good team.

“You know, sometimes playing in Selhurst for the boys is a little bit nerve-wracking. But once we started the game, and during the game, we improved massively, and I think we deserved to qualify.”

We will be ready for Newcastle or Portsmouth

The tie being hosted at Selhurst Park added an extra layer to the occasion for both staff and players. On coaching at the stadium and how the lads handled the moment, Alonso said: “First of all, I think it's a really good challenge, a good opportunity for the boys. I think they enjoyed it a lot.

"For some boys, it's their first experience here; for others, they played a few years ago. They improved with time, and I hope they enjoyed it. I'm happy for them, yes.

“Also the staff – you know, it's my first experience here. I'm really happy because it's a really good stadium.”

Substitute Stuart Oduro turned the game decisively, coming on in the 70th minute and scoring a quick-fire brace.

On his impact, Alonso said: “Oh, really good. He played really good. He was involved in goals.

“He did his best, and I think he's in a really good place. Always he's in the best place to score goals. He deserved it, yes.

“I'm happy for him, and also for the team. He helped the team, and he helped to qualify for the next round.”

Looking ahead, Palace await an away trip to either Newcastle United or Portsmouth in the next round. On progressing and the potential opponents, Alonso added: “Yes, I'm excited to go through. 

"And also the boys – it's really important for the boys, for the academy, for the club. I'm excited to play the next round against Newcastle or Portsmouth. Yes, we will be ready."

**The FA Youth Cup fourth-round draw has been made, and Palace will face either Newcastle United or Portsmouth. Newcastle will host the tie on Tuesday, 16th December 2025 at 18:00 GMT.**

Following Crystal Palace Under-18s’ 3–0 victory over Bradford to progress into the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup, a very cold and wet Javier Alonso offered his post-match thoughts at Selhurst Park.

Alonso: Playing at Selhurst was a good challenge for the boys

Crystal Palace U18 v Bradford City U18 (2025-12-05)

### Summary:

- Javier Alonso makes one change from the side that beat Southampton last weekend, with Dean Benamar replacing the suspended Chuks Okoli.
- 7: Benji Casey is denied one-on-one, before Makai Bernard-Ferguson strikes the follow-up wide.
- 15: A diving Jack Robinson prevents David Angibeaud latching onto a venomous Benamar low cross.
- 20: Bernard-Ferguson fires wide from distance.
- 28: Joel Drakes-Thomas forces a diving save from Robinson.
- 35: Jasper Judd's curling delivery almost finds its way in under the crossbar.
- 40: Bernard-Ferguson's cushioned volley is a whisker away from the opener.
- HT: Palace 0-0 Bradford
- 48: Drakes-Thomas' half-volley is narrowly over the bar.
- 58: Casey lifts the ball over the 'keeper, but also over the bar.
- 61: Casey is denied one-on-one.
- 64: Casey is brought down by the 'keeper, before recovering to fire wide.
- 74 – GOAL: Casey converts from the spot.
- 82 – GOAL: Substitute Stuart Oduro rifles home on the swivel.
- 84 – GOAL: Oduro bags his brace.
- Five minutes additional time is indicated...
- 90 (+2): Jack Mason is forced into a routine save.
- FT: Palace 3-0 Bradford

U18 Highlights | Crystal Palace U18s 3-0 Bradford City U18s

Category 3 side Bradford arrived in South London in excellent form, having booked their place in the third round with an emphatic 4–1 win over York City at the LNER Community Stadium, following an earlier 5–3 victory against Stockton Town.

Palace, meanwhile, were aiming to go one step further than last season, when they were narrowly beaten 1–0 by 2023/24 champions Manchester City at this stage of the competition.

The young Eagles came into the tie in buoyant mood after a thrilling 4–2 victory over Southampton in a top-of-the-table U18 Premier League South encounter at the Academy.

Jack Mason retained his place between the posts, while U16s ’keeper Lucca Bentetton earned a well-deserved spot on the bench – a huge moment in his young career. There were also starts for U21s regulars Dean Benamar and Joel Drakes-Thomas, with the former replacing Chuks Okoli owing to suspension.

It proved a landmark night for the club’s academy pathway, with fellow U16s Mylo Bernard and Dylan Monk named among the substitutes, while Daniel Owoade returned to the bench in place of Khyan Frazer-Williams. A special occasion – and a proud one – for a group of young talents very much seizing their moment.

Shaking off the biblical weather, Palace applied considerable attacking pressure from the outset. Dean Benamar set the tone early, nutmegging his marker inside his own half before surging down the left flank and whipping a dangerous cross into the penalty area. It found the head of David Angibeaud, but he couldn’t quite connect; a moment of pinball followed before Bradford eventually hacked clear.

Moments later, Benji Casey burst through on goal, only to see his low effort saved one-on-one by Jack Robinson. Makai Bernard-Ferguson reacted quickest to the rebound but fired agonisingly wide of the far post.

Charlie Walker-Smith then launched a long throw deep into the penalty area, but Casey's flick on was comfortably claimed by Robinson.

As the game approached the ten-minute mark, the match began to open up and take on a more cagey feel. Much of the early play had been camped in Bradford’s half; however, the pendulum briefly swung, and a visiting attacker was almost slipped clean through – only for Jasper Judd to sweep up alertly.

Despite a few half-chances falling to the young Bantams, Palace continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession. Benamar remained a persistent threat down the left, arrowing a vicious delivery across the face of goal, but the diving Robinson managed to intervene before it could reach the onrushing Angibeaud.

Up to this stage, Bradford were frustrating Alonso’s side. Wave after wave of Palace attack was met with discipline and resolve from the visitors’ back line.

Twenty minutes in, the young Bantams were camped deep inside their own half. With Palace beginning to dominate, Walker-Smith slid the ball into Bernard-Ferguson, who drifted inside with intent and fired narrowly wide from 25 yards – yet another clear warning sign.

Midway through the half, the combative tenacity of Bernard-Ferguson and Judd forced a crucial turnover, halting Bradford’s rare foray forward, which ended with a routine save for Jack Mason. 

A brief pause in play to treat Bernard-Ferguson gave Alonso the chance to relay fresh instructions from his clipboard.

With ten men temporarily on the pitch as Bernard-Ferguson waited to return, Danaher delivered a delicious ball in behind the Bradford defence, narrowly missed by Angibeaud, before Drakes-Thomas cut inside and saw his effort smothered by a diving Robinson.

Entering the final third, momentum briefly shifted as Palace had to weather a succession of shots and crosses. Having survived the pressure, Judd came agonisingly close from a curling delivery that nearly nestled under the crossbar.

On the stroke of half-time, Drakes-Thomas twisted and turned onto his left foot before picking out Bernard-Ferguson, whose cushioned volley rattled just wide - agonisingly close to giving Palace the lead.

Despite wave after wave of attack, Palace went into the break wet, frustrated, and level.

The young Eagles carried that attacking intent into the second half. Bernard-Ferguson floated a cross toward the back post, and Drakes-Thomas saw his half-volley deflected narrowly over the bar.

The pair combined again a few minutes later, with the full-back lifting the ball through to the attacker down the right channel, only for a sliding Robinson to bravely intercept.

Approaching the hour mark, Casey went close twice. First, he chipped the ball over the onrushing 'keeper from just a few yards out, albeit from a tight angle. Moments later, Benamar surged forward, but his low shot was denied by the outstretched leg of Robinson.

Suddenly, Palace enjoyed a flurry of opportunities. A clearance fell to Bernard-Ferguson, but he couldn’t keep his body over it and fired the wrong side of the bar. Shortly after, Judd curled a beautiful through ball in-behind the defence for Casey, who was brought down by the keeper and saw his follow-up effort go wide.

It didn’t take long for the young Eagles to capitalise on their momentum. Donte Martin’s tenacity paid off as he forced a crucial turnover and fed Danaher, who quickly set up Stuart Oduro. The substitute doubled Palace’s lead in the 82nd minute, rifling home on the swivel with a clinical finish.

Exactly two minutes later, Oduro struck again to make it three. Bradford’s defenders, to their credit, threw their bodies on the line to produce a series of tremendous blocks, but the ball eventually fell kindly for Oduro, whose ricocheted effort crept into the net.

A triple substitution followed, including U16s Mylo Bernard and Dylan Monk – a brilliant moment for both to step onto the Selhurst Park pitch. Donte Martin was also introduced and immediately caused problems for the Bradford back line.

Five minutes of additional time were indicated, during which Bradford forced Mason into a routine save. The match concluded 3–0, sending Palace through to the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup, where they will face an away trip to either Newcastle United or Portsmouth.

**Palace:** Mason, Judd, Benamar (Oduro, 70'), Walker-Smith, Somade (Monk, 89'), Fasida, Drakes-Thomas, Danaher, Casey (Bernard, 89'), Bernard-Ferguson (Anderson, 89'), Angibeaud (Martin, 80').

Subs not used: Benetton, Owoade.

**Bradford:** Robinson, Ayub, Hewitt (Cissa, 90 +6'), Ryder, Tighe, Lunn, Gomes (Gaitely, 89'), Martin (Goodall, 79'), Mboma (Viper-Pond, 79'), Parr, Holt (Mohamed, 50').

Subs not used: Barrow, Ackroyd.

Crystal Palace Under-18s sealed their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup with a deserved 3–0 victory at Selhurst Park, helped by a late quick-fire brace from substitute Stuart Oduro on a wet and windy Friday night (5th December).

Video

Video

Jaïro, Jason & Jeffrey: Five of our best PL goals at Craven Cottage

Alonso: Playing at Selhurst was a good challenge for the boys

U18s Report & Highlights: Oduro's brace sees Palace into Youth Cup Fourth Round

Christmas Shopping - Perfect Palace Presents

6Marc
Guéhi

Video

Video

Jaïro, Jason & Jeffrey: Five of our best PL goals at Craven Cottage

Alonso: Playing at Selhurst was a good challenge for the boys

U18s Report & Highlights: Oduro's brace sees Palace into Youth Cup Fourth Round

Christmas Shopping - Perfect Palace Presents

6MarcGuéhi

6Marc
Guéhi