Crystal Palace FC defenders lineup features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each bringing unique skills to the squad. Here’s an overview of the clubs defense roster the 2024/25 season.

1. Joel Ward

Joel Ward is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on October 29, 1989, in Emsworth, England, Ward is known for his versatility, being able to play anywhere across the back-line.

He began his career at Portsmouth, where he graduated from the academy and made his senior debut in 2009. After a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, he joined Crystal Palace FC defenders roster in 2012. Ward has been a key player for Palace, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League in his first season. He has since made the most top-flight appearances in the club’s history and was appointed club captain in 2023.

  • Date of Birth: June 29, 1989
  • Nationality: English
  • Transfer Fee: £400,000
  • Former Clubs: Portsmouth

2. Tyrick Mitchell

Tyrick Mitchell is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back or left wing-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on September 1, 1999, in Brent, London, Mitchell is known for his defensive skills and ability to support attacks from the left flank.

Mitchell began his youth career at AFC Wembley before moving to Brentford’s academy in 2012. After Brentford’s academy was closed in 2016, he joined Crystal Palace’s academy. He made his first-team debut for Crystal Palace in July 2020 and quickly became a regular starter.

  • Date of Birth: September 1, 1999
  • Nationality: English
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
  • Former Clubs: N/A

3. Marc Guéhi

Marc Guéhi is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on July 13, 2000, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Guéhi moved to England at a young age and grew up in Lewisham, London.

He began his youth career at Cray Wanderers before joining Chelsea’s academy in 2007. Guéhi progressed through Chelsea’s youth ranks, winning multiple titles, including the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth League. He made his senior debut for Chelsea in 2019 and had loan spells at Swansea City, where he impressed with his defensive abilities.

In 2021, Guéhi joined Crystal Palace FC defenders squad, becoming one of the club’s most expensive signings. He quickly established himself as a key player and has made over 100 appearances for the club. Guéhi has also represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2022.

  • Date of Birth: July 13, 2000
  • Nationality: English
  • Transfer Fee: £18 million
  • Former Clubs: Chelsea, Swansea City (loan)

4. Nathaniel Clyne

Nathaniel Clyne is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on April 5, 1991, in Stockwell, London, Clyne is known for his speed, defensive capabilities, and ability to contribute to attacks from the right flank.

Clyne began his youth career at Afewee Academy before joining Crystal Palace’s academy in 1999. He made his senior debut for Crystal Palace FC defenders in 2008 and played regularly for four seasons. In 2012, he moved to Southampton FC, where he spent three successful seasons in the Premier League. Clyne then joined Liverpool FC in 2015, where he made over 100 appearances and was part of the squad that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2018.

After a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, Clyne rejoined Crystal Palace in 2020. He has also represented England at various levels, earning 14 caps for the senior national team.

  • Date of Birth: April 5, 1991
  • Nationality: English
  • Transfer Fee: Free Transfer
  • Former Clubs: Crystal Palace, Southampton, Liverpool, Bournemouth (loan)

5. Chris Richards

Chris Richards is an American professional footballer who plays as a center-back or defensive midfielder for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on March 28, 2000, in Birmingham, Alabama, Richards is known for his strong defensive skills and versatility on the field.

Richards began his youth career with Texans SC Houston before joining FC Dallas’ academy in 2017. He signed a professional contract with FC Dallas in 2018 and soon after went on a trial with Bayern Munich, which led to a loan and eventually a permanent move to the German club. Richards made his senior debut for Bayern Munich in 2020 and had loan spells at Hoffenheim before joining Crystal Palace FC defenders in 2022.

At Crystal Palace, Richards has become an important part of the team’s defense. He made his debut for the club in August 2022 and has since made significant contributions, including winning the club’s Player of the Month award in January 2023. Richards has also represented the United States at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2020.

  • Date of Birth: March 28, 2000
  • Nationality: American
  • Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
  • Former Clubs: FC Dallas, Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim (loan)

6. Rob Holding

Rob Holding is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on September 20, 1995, in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, Holding is known for his strong defensive skills and aerial ability.

Holding began his youth career at Bolton Wanderers, making his senior debut in 2015. After a successful season, he joined Arsenal FC in 2016, where he won two FA Cups and three FA Community Shields. In August 2023, Holding transferred to Crystal Palace FC defenders squad, where he continues to be a key defensive player.

  • Date of Birth: September 20, 1995
  • Nationality: English
  • Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
  • Former Clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal

7. Daniel Muñoz

Daniel Muñoz is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a right-back or right wing-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on May 26, 1996, in Amalfi, Colombia, Muñoz is known for his defensive solidity and attacking prowess.

Muñoz began his professional career with Águilas Doradas in Colombia before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2019. In 2020, he transferred to Belgian side Genk, where he built a strong reputation for his performances. In January 2024, Muñoz joined Crystal Palace FC defenders lineup and quickly became an important player for the team.

Internationally, Muñoz has represented Colombia since 2019, earning multiple caps and contributing to the team’s success in various competitions.

  • Date of Birth: May 24, 1996
  • Nationality: Colombian
  • Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
  • Former Clubs: Atlético Nacional, KRC Genk

8. Chadi Riad

Chadi Riad is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on June 17, 2003, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Riad is of Moroccan descent and represents the Morocco national team.

Riad began his youth career at Atlético Rafal before moving to RCD Mallorca and later CD San Francisco. In 2019, he joined FC Barcelona’s academy and made his senior debut for Barcelona B. He had loan spells at Sabadell and Real Betis, where he gained valuable experience.

In July 2024, Riad signed with Crystal Palace defense roster on a five-year contract. Known for his strong defensive skills and composure on the ball, he has quickly become an important player for the team. Internationally, Riad has represented Morocco at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2023.

  • Date of Birth: June 17, 2003
  • Nationality: Moroccan
  • Transfer Fee: £14 million
  • Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Real Betis

9. Maxence Lacroix

Maxence Lacroix is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Born on April 6, 2000, in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France, Lacroix is known for his strong defensive skills, speed, and aerial ability.

Lacroix began his youth career at various clubs, including Limeyrat, Montignac, and Trélissac, before joining Sochaux’s academy in 2015. He made his senior debut for Sochaux in 2018 and played there until 2020, when he transferred to VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. During his time at Wolfsburg, Lacroix established himself as a key defender, making over 100 appearances for the club.

In August 2024, Lacroix joined Crystal Palace on a five-year deal. He has quickly become an important part of the team’s defense. Internationally, Lacroix has represented France at various youth levels.

  • Date of Birth: April 6, 2000
  • Nationality: French
  • Transfer Fee: £18 million
  • Former Clubs: FC Sochaux, VfL Wolfsburg

10. Trevoh Chalobah

Trevoh Chalobah is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, on loan from Chelsea. Born on July 5, 1999, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Chalobah moved to the United Kingdom at a young age and grew up in London.

Chalobah joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks, winning several youth titles. He made his senior debut for Chelsea in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup, helping the team secure the trophy. Chalobah has had loan spells at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and Lorient before joining Crystal Palace FC defenders lineup on loan in August 2024. Known for his defensive skills and versatility, Chalobah has also represented England at various youth levels, from under-16 to under-21.

  • Date of Birth: July 5, 1999
  • Nationality: English
  • Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
  • Former Clubs: Chelsea, Ipswich Town (loan), Huddersfield Town (loan), FC Lorient (loan)

This diverse group of defenders combines youth and experience, positioning Crystal Palace’s backline as a formidable force in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season.