Crystal Palace Football Club has a rich history, spanning more than a century, filled with remarkable players who have etched their names into the hearts of the club's fans. Over the years, the club has seen players come and go, but there have always been certain individuals whose contributions have stood out above the rest. From the club’s early days to the modern Premier League era, the Eagles have been graced with some exceptional talent. Bet Win Tips will highlight the Top 8 Crystal Palace best players in history, discussing their skills, achievements, and legacies at the club.
The top 8 Crystal Palace best players who made the biggest impact
Below are the top 8 Crystal Palace best players whose names are known to all fans:
8. Julian Speroni
Years at the club: 2004-2019
Julian Speroni is, without a doubt, one of Crystal Palace best players. The Argentine goalkeeper joined the club in 2004, a time when the Eagles were relegated back to the Championship after their brief stay in the Premier League. Despite the club's struggles, Speroni became a constant figure at Selhurst Park, remaining the first-choice goalkeeper for nearly 15 years. His incredible shot-stopping ability, leadership on the field, and dedication made him an iconic figure at the club.
Speroni played 405 matches for Palace, amassing an impressive 112 clean sheets, and became a key player during the club's transition from the Championship to the Premier League. He was instrumental in Palace’s promotion to the Premier League in 2013 and played an essential role in their survival in the top flight for several seasons. Speroni's consistency and heroics between the sticks earned him the club's Player of the Year award three times, in 2007/08, 2008/09, and 2009/10. His performances during Palace’s first season back in the Premier League in 2013/14 were vital, as he once again won the Player of the Year award.
In total, Speroni’s legacy is not just defined by his saves but by his loyalty and leadership, which cemented his place as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. His final years at the club may have seen his appearances become less frequent, but his contributions will never be forgotten by the Palace faithful.
7. Mark Bright
Years at the club: 1986-1992
Mark Bright was a key figure in Crystal Palace’s rise through the ranks during the late 1980s. Joining the club in 1986, Bright quickly formed a lethal strike partnership with Ian Wright, and the duo became one of the most feared attacking combinations in English football. Bright’s clinical finishing and strong aerial presence helped Palace secure promotion back to the top flight, as he scored 24 goals in the 1987/88 season.
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Bright’s performances in the top flight were equally impressive. In his first season in the First Division, he scored 12 goals in 36 appearances, including a memorable brace at Old Trafford in a 2-1 win over Manchester United. His contribution was pivotal as Palace finished comfortably above the relegation zone, allowing them to focus on their FA Cup run. Bright was instrumental in Palace’s famous 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the semi-finals of the 1990 FA Cup, scoring a crucial goal in the match. Although Palace lost to Manchester United in the final replay, Bright's efforts did not go unnoticed, and he had already helped the club achieve significant success.
Mark Bright's time at Palace ended in 1992, but during his six years at Selhurst Park, he scored 113 goals in 286 appearances, making him one of the club’s all-time top scorers. His goal-scoring ability and leadership on the pitch left a lasting legacy at Crystal Palace.
6. Vince Hilaire
Years at the club: 1977-1984
Vince Hilaire was one of the most exciting players in Crystal Palace’s history, known for his flair, speed, and dribbling ability. Joining the club at the age of 17, Hilaire became a key player during the club’s rise through the divisions in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hilaire was instrumental in Palace’s promotion to the First Division in 1979, providing a crucial assist for Ian Walsh in the win over Burnley that secured their place in the top flight.
Hilaire was a fan favorite for his ability to take on defenders with ease, making him a constant threat on the wing. Over his six years at Palace, he made 293 appearances and became a key part of the club’s ‘Team of the 1980s.’ He was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1979 and 1980, and his skill and creativity were integral to the team’s success during this period.
Although Hilaire left the club in 1984 to join Luton Town, his impact on Palace’s rise from the Third Division to the First Division remains a significant part of the club's history. His ability to entertain and inspire with his dribbling made him one of the most beloved players in Crystal Palace’s history.
5. Attilio Lombardo
Years at the club: 1997-1999
Although his time at Crystal Palace was short, Attilio Lombardo's impact was profound. The Italian midfielder joined Palace in 1997 during a difficult period for the club, and despite their struggles, Lombardo proved to be one of the most talented players ever to don the Palace shirt. Known for his technical ability, creativity, and vision, Lombardo was a standout performer in the 1997/98 Premier League season, scoring five goals in 24 appearances.
Lombardo’s leadership skills were also evident when he briefly took over as the club's caretaker player-manager in March 1998 after Steve Coppell became the club’s Director of Football. Despite Palace's relegation that season, Lombardo’s influence on the pitch helped the team remain competitive. His decision to stay at the club during their time in the Second Division showed his commitment to Palace, and although his time at the club ended in 1999 due to financial constraints, Lombardo left an indelible mark on the club's history.
Lombardo was inducted into Crystal Palace’s Centenary XI in 2005 by the club's supporters, a testament to his lasting legacy at Selhurst Park.
4. Jim Cannon
Years at the club: 1973-1988
Jim Cannon, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Crystal Palace,’ is the club’s record appearance holder, having made an astounding 660 appearances over a 15-year career at Selhurst Park. Cannon joined Palace as a youth player in 1970 and made his debut in 1973. A tough, no-nonsense center-back, Cannon was the bedrock of Palace’s defense for over a decade and was a key figure in the club's rise from the Third Division to the First Division in the late 1970s.
Cannon’s leadership and ability to read the game made him one of the best defenders in the club’s history. He was a constant presence at the back for Palace during a period of great success, which saw them win two promotions in three years. Cannon’s contribution to the club was invaluable, and his loyalty to Palace was unmatched, as he remained at the club for his entire playing career.
Cannon’s place in Palace history is firmly secured, and his legacy as the club’s most capped player will never be forgotten. He is truly one of the club’s greatest-ever servants.
3. Ian Wright
Years at the club: 1985-1991
Ian Wright's story at Crystal Palace is one of the most remarkable in football. Wright joined Palace in 1985 from non-league Greenwich Borough and quickly became one of the club's most lethal goal scorers. His partnership with Mark Bright was crucial to Palace's promotion to the top flight, and Wright’s goal-scoring prowess saw him finish as the club's top scorer for several seasons.
Wright's performances in the 1988/89 season, when he scored 33 goals in all competitions, cemented his place as one of the most exciting forwards in English football. His contributions were vital in Palace’s run to the FA Cup final in 1990, where they faced Manchester United. Although Palace lost in the replay, Wright’s heroics during the tournament left an indelible mark on the club's history.
Wright left Palace in 1991 to join Arsenal, but by then, he had already established himself as one of the club's greatest-ever players, scoring 117 goals in 277 appearances. His goal-scoring ability and passion for the game made him a Palace legend.
2. Wilfried Zaha
Years at the club: 2010-2013, 2014-2023
Wilfried Zaha is the modern-day legend of Crystal Palace. Zaha’s journey at Palace began in 2010 when he made his debut at the age of 17. His breakthrough season came in 2011/12 when he scored nine goals and provided seven assists, catching the eye of some of the Premier League's biggest clubs. His performances earned him a move to Manchester United in 2013, but after a tough spell at Old Trafford, Zaha returned to Palace in 2014.
Zaha’s return marked the beginning of a new era for the club. Over the next nine years, he became Palace's most influential player, helping them survive relegation season after season. Zaha’s flair, dribbling skills, and ability to change a game single-handedly made him one of the Premier League’s best wingers. He scored 90 goals and provided 52 assists in 458 appearances for Palace, and he was the club’s talisman during some of their best Premier League campaigns.
Zaha’s impact on Palace cannot be overstated, and he will always be remembered as one of the club's greatest-ever players.
1. Geoff Thomas- One of the Crystal Palace best players
Years at the club: 1987-1993
Geoff Thomas captained Crystal Palace during the club’s most successful period in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A versatile midfielder, Thomas was an all-around player who could break up opposition attacks while also contributing going forward. His leadership was key during Palace’s run to the 1990 FA Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Manchester United after a replay.
Thomas’s work ethic, commitment, and determination made him a fan favorite. He was awarded the club’s Player of the Year in 1991 and was pivotal in Palace's third-place finish in the league that same season. His leadership on and off the field made him an inspirational figure, and he remains one of the club’s most revered players.
After his playing career, Thomas was diagnosed with leukemia but made a remarkable recovery and went on to raise thousands of pounds for leukemia charities. In recognition of his charity work, he was awarded an MBE in 2021. His legacy as a Palace legend extends beyond football, as he continues to inspire fans with his courage and selflessness.
To wrap it up
The 8 Crystal Palace best players discussed above are just a few of the many legends who have graced Selhurst Park over the years. From goalkeepers like Julian Speroni to strikers like Ian Wright and Wilfried Zaha, these players have left an indelible mark on Crystal Palace’s history. Their contributions, whether through their skill on the pitch or their leadership and loyalty, have made them true icons of the club. As Palace continues to evolve, these players’ legacies will forever be remembered by the fans and the club alike.
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