FA CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: A decision has been made by player and club that a record-breaking career at Selhurst Park must come to an end
: Joel Ward has played 305 Premier League games for Crystal Palace " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" class=" wp-image-202785" src="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?resize=379%2C253&ssl=1" alt width="379" height="253" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joel-Ward.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w" sizes="(max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px">
Role model: club captain Joel Ward has played 305 Premier League games for Crystal Palace
Joel Ward will depart Crystal Palace as a player when his contract expires at the end of the season, after 13 years with the Eagles.
Club captain Ward has come to epitomise so much of the spirit of the modern Crystal Palace, having spent an unbroken 12 of his 13 years at the club playing in the Premier League.
But after significant issues with injuries recently, only one of 35-year-old Ward’s club record 305 Premier League appearances has come this season. Having been given a one-year extension last year, that won’t be happening this time round.
Ward has not given any indication of whether he will continue playing after leaving Palace, although he did drop one hint as to his future: “This isn’t ‘Goodbye’,” he said.
“It’s merely a ‘See you later’.”
One Eagles fansite described Ward as having gone “from promising young signing to club captain, key contributor, and ultimately, a Palace legend”.
Holmesdale Online said: “Ward’s time in SE25 has been defined not by headlines or flair, but by consistency, professionalism and a deep connection with the fans. In a modern game where loyalty is often fleeting, Ward stood out as a player who gave everything for the badge, week in and week out.”
Ward joined Palace from Portsmouth in May 2012 for £400,000. His steady maturity and versatility at the back saw him respected as an important member of the squad as he slotted in comfortably across the backline — at right back, left back or centre-back.
Glowing praise: Crystal Palace issued a warm message on Ward’s announcement " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?fit=173%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?fit=592%2C1024&ssl=1" class=" wp-image-202791" src="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?resize=351%2C607&ssl=1" alt width="351" height="607" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?resize=592%2C1024&ssl=1 592w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?resize=173%2C300&ssl=1 173w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?resize=87%2C150&ssl=1 87w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?resize=768%2C1329&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?resize=887%2C1536&ssl=1 887w, https://i0.wp.com/insidecroydon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG\_E17771.jpg?w=1170&ssl=1 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px">
Glowing praise: Crystal Palace issued a warm message on Ward’s announcement
Signed by Dougie Freedman, he was part of the Ian Holloway team in 2012-2013 that won promotion the hard way, through the Championship play-offs, a sunny spring day at Wembley that Ward has described as one of his proudest moments.
Ten years later, in 2023, he was named club captain, taking over the armband after Luka Milivojevic left.
“Ward’s career at Crystal Palace has been built not on flashy moments or controversy, but on character, professionalism, and a deep understanding of what it means to play for the club. His name may not always be sung the loudest, but his importance over more than a decade cannot be overstated,” Holmesdale Online said, describing Ward as a “role model”.
“Loyal. Reliable. Underrated. A true Eagle to the end.”
Ward accrued a total of 363 appearances for Palace. Announcing his departure, Ward said, “For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.
“It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments — moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.
“I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family.”
The club offered nothing other than glowing praise and appreciation for the player’s efforts.
“From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club,” said Steve Parish, the club chairman, adding that Ward is “open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.
“Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him — in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.
“This is a great time to celebrate Joel’s achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend.
“Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure — and thank you.”
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