Joél Drakes-Thomas made a remarkable senior debut for Crystal Palace at just 16 years old in their UEFA Conference League match against KuPS, earning the Player of the Match award, Softfootball reports. The young attacker’s performance on December 18, 2025, drew widespread praise for its maturity and influence on the game.
Crystal Palace posted on their official X handle:
The game ended in a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, with manager Oliver Glasner making 11 changes to give several academy players a chance. Drakes-Thomas was a central figure in a team of teenagers, becoming the fourth-youngest player in the club’s history and the youngest Englishman to appear in the Conference League.
His impact was immediate, showing composure and confidence beyond his age. This performance followed Palace’s earlier strong showing in the competition, where they dominated Shelbourne with a 3-0 victory to keep their European hopes alive.
Operating mainly as an attacker, Drakes-Thomas impressed with his pace, intelligent movement, and crossing ability. He finished the game with a team-high seven crosses and created two key chances for teammates. Fans and pundits alike are hailing him as a “big talent,” noting how quickly he has progressed through the academy ranks, often playing above his age group.
Crystal Palace are now keen to secure his long-term future, offering him a clear pathway to the first team to continue his development. With the youngster already making headlines, he is set to play a key role in future matches, including Palace’s recent 2-2 draw against KuPS, where his performance helped the team secure a crucial point in the UEFA Conference League campaign.
