The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, helping the Under-18s win the club’s first-ever U18 Premier League Cup, while also making four senior appearances and becoming Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League player.
Drakes-Thomas joined Palace at the age of six and progressed through the Academy ranks, making his U18s debut against Chelsea in December 2024 at just 15.
A series of impressive displays, including a hat-trick of assists in a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa U18s, earned him a scholarship ahead of the 2025/26 season.
His progress was further recognised with an England U17s debut during November’s Dubai tour.
Drakes-Thomas capped 2025 by making his senior debut against KuPS Kuopio in the UEFA Conference League, starting and earning Player of the Match, before becoming Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League player at Leeds United.
He came off the bench again in the Premier League against Newcastle United before going on to win the UEFA Conference League.
At Academy level, the winger featured 22 times across the U18s and U21s, scoring twice and providing two assists as Palace reached a first FA Youth Cup semi-final in nearly 30 years. He also converted his penalty in the shootout victory over Manchester United to help the club lift its first U18 Premier League Cup.
Upon signing his professional contract, Drakes-Thomas said: “I’m grateful to God for this opportunity, and to my family and everyone who has played a role in my journey. I’m really happy to have committed my future here, and I’m ready to go.”
Academy Director Gary Issott added: “Joél’s been with us since pre-Academy, so to see him become Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League player at 16 and make his senior debut in Europe against KuPS was a proud moment, and this pro deal recognises the excellent progress he has made.”
Congratulations, Joél!
