The stopper dedicated the win to his late father
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was all smiles after Oliver Glasner’s side lifted the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley, beating Manchester City 1-0 under the famous arch.
And he paid tribute to his late father in an emotional moment after the club made history.
"Incredible,” said Henderson. “We had a feeling it would be our day today. The manager got a gameplan and we executed it. We deserve this so much.”
Just look at what it means to Dean Henderson ❤️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/jdImi36aLM
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025
“I lost my dad at the start of the season, but he was with me today. He was with me every kick of the game. I dedicate that win to him."
The Palace stopper more than played his part in helping the club to their first-ever FA Cup triumph, on hand on more than one occasion to preserve the Eagles’ lead, not least when he denied City’s Omar Marmoush in the first half from the penalty spot.
"To be fair, Haaland might have stepped up,” added Henderson. “He gave it to Marmoush and I knew which way he was going. I knew I would save it.”
Meanwhile, Henderson’s team-mate Eberechi Eze was lost for words at the full-time whistle which confirmed victory for Palace.
The England international’s effort which rippled the net with just 16 minutes played was the difference in the end.
Eze scored the only goal of the game in the Final
“It’s a special one,” explained Eze. “I don’t know what to say. We are against a team that has been the best team in the word for how long. To show so much spirit, so much energy.
“They keep the ball so well. You have to work so hard to get anything off them. We know when you get in the box you have to do something.
“God is good. He has helped me to be in this position now. It’s hard to use the right words here.”