Joel Drakes-Thomas
A versatile forward who can take on his marker and push forward.
86JoélDrakes-Thomas
out on loan
ST
Forward
Date of Birth
09.06.0909 June 2009
Country
Joined Team
10.12.2510 December 2025
Playing up an age group, Drakes-Thomas made his first appearance at Under-18s level as a substitute against Liverpool U18s in October 2024.
His first start and first goal came in the 4-2 comeback victory against Chelsea U18s in December 2024. He earned a hat-trick of assists in Palace's resounding 4-1 win against Aston Villa U18s in February 2025.
Drakes-Thomas was called up to England U16s in late February 2025 for their UEFA U16 Development Tournament in Alicante, Spain. He featured in all three of their games against Colombia, Denmark and France, notching two assists.
In April 2025, Drakes-Thomas was included in an Under-21s matchday squad for the first time against Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his debut for the U21s off the bench against Chelsea just over a week later.
The forward finished the 24/25 season with one goal and three assists in 13 appearances for the U18s, as well as two more appearances for the U21s.
Drakes-Thomas began the 25/26 campaign with the U18s, scoring twice in his opening two games, and has since become a regular in Darren Powell’s U21s squad.
Operating as a wing-back, he’s a constant menace down the flank – driving forward with pace, stretching opposition defences, and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. His relentless energy and attacking intent have made him one of the side’s main attacking threats.