Lexi Lloyd-Smith's first Palace TV interview: the homecoming, cage football and playing with purpose
In her first official interview since joining Crystal Palace, reigning WSL2 Golden Boot winner Lexi Lloyd-Smith opens up about returning to her South London roots.
You can watch her full interview on Palace TV, just click the link above!
Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s move to SE25 feels like a homecoming.
The Peckham-born forward has represented other London teams like Charlton Athletic, Arsenal and Chelsea, but things just feel different at Palace.
"It feels amazing," she smiles, speaking from the cage she spent her youth playing in.
"It’s almost like it was meant to be. I’m just so happy to be back in South London. Happy to be back at home."
Lexi’s footballing journey has come full circle. A product of both the Chelsea and Arsenal academies, she briefly represented Charlton before testing herself across the Atlantic in the United States.
When a year stateside didn't work out, she returned to England determined to prove her worth, signing her first professional contract at Southampton.
Two successful years on the south coast were followed by a two-year stint at Bristol City, where she truly announced herself as one of the country's most lethal forwards - securing the Golden Boot in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 last season.
Now, she is ready for the next chapter: representing South London in the Women's Super League.
Where it all started
It was in Peckham, around five miles from Selhurst Park, that her signature playing style was honed.
She reflected on what it was like to grow up in her area.
Lloyd-Smith said: "I feel like it’s character building, for sure, it’s taught me and made me who I am today.
“You just get a bit about you, I would say."
Her introduction to the game wasn't straightforward. Inspired by her brother, a young Lexi watched him play at Peckham Rye Park for Southwark Caribb FC and instantly knew she wanted in.
Her mother initially resisted, but because she was the only girl, the club let her play for free.
That didn't last long.
She said: "When I started to play more and they saw I was good, they started to charge me £5 every Saturday! So yeah, that’s how it all began."
The true crucible, however, was the cage at the Damilola Taylor Centre.
Standing inside the court, Lexi reminisces about the countless games on the astroturf.
She said: "My brother tried to teach me 'around the world' but I'm still trying to get it!
“But it was more about what you do as a winger from a young age - taking your player 1v1, dropping a shoulder.
“Being from Peckham, you get a lot of ratings and energy when you beat someone. That completely motivates me to get past my player."
Playing for a higher purpose
While the cage provided the foundation, a personal tragedy two years ago gave Lexi a deeper purpose.
The passing of her brother in 2024 devastated the family, but it also cemented her love for the sport during an emotional afternoon while playing for Bristol City.
"My family came to the first game after he passed. We did a round of applause on the 20th minute and wore black armbands. I actually scored within two minutes," she says.
"That was the best time of my life, just to be able to put a smile on my family’s face at that time.
"That’s when I really felt like I can do something with this sport. I loved football, but to bring that enjoyment to my family really sealed the deal for me. I want to carry on doing it until I can't anymore."
Now, every time she steps onto the pitch, she carries that memory with her.
Representing South London on the biggest stage is a responsibility she welcomes with open arms.
"It means everything, honestly. I know I’m going to be playing for not only myself. I'll be laying it all out on the pitch because I'm playing for something more now - my roots. I’ll always be proud to be from Peckham."
Mind over matter
Palace fans may already have a lingering memory of their new star.
In a twist of fate, Lloyd-Smith's first senior goal actually came against the Eagles at Selhurst Park for Southampton in 2022 - a well-worked brace that left a lasting impression on both the player and the Palace fans.
"I can't lie, the Palace fans were unreal," she recalls. "I remember thinking, 'Yeah, you guys are real ones.' The Palace fans go hard for their players and I loved that. From the first time playing against Palace, I always had a feeling that I wanted to play for this team."
With her family and friends all based locally, swapping the West Country for South London means Lloyd-Smith will often have her own personal cheering section at every home game.
"Playing Palace back then, I had 20 to 30 people there- a whole crew! It just gives you so much energy. And now that they’re going to be here every week, it makes such a difference."
So, what can Palace fans expect from their new Golden Boot winner?
Lloyd-Smith said: "Exciting, direct, wanting to go forward, wanting to score goals.
"I want to create. I definitely want to get on the scoresheet more, to try to retain the Golden Boot, get more assists, and just push my limits in the top league."
With several huge clashes on the horizon including a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face her former youth club Arsenal, Lloyd-Smith is ready to embrace the challenges of the top-flight.
And when the back of the net inevitably ripples, fans can look forward to a very specific celebration.
"Mind over matter," she smiles. "Always."
