Dean Henderson shows his emotions after winning the FA Cup (Image: PA)
Dean Henderson shows his emotions after winning the FA Cup (Image: PA)
Cumbrian goalkeeper Dean Henderson is an FA Cup winner!
The Whitehaven star played a starring role in Crystal Palace's victory over Manchester City at Wembley.
Henderson saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush to prevent City wiping out Palace's lead after Ebereche Eze's opener.
Henderson's penalty save from Omar Marmoush
Henderson's penalty save from Omar Marmoush (Image: PA)
The keeper made further saves as Palace held on for a 1-0 win to win the Cup for the first time in their history.
Dean Henderson, that is MASSIVE π€ pic.twitter.com/Aw4r62Mwbt
β Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 17, 2025
Henderson was also involved in another major incident in the game when he handled the ball outside the box as City's Erling Haaland chased a long ball from Josko Gvardiol.
The video assistant referee (VAR) checked the incident and no further punishment was awarded, despite some calls for Henderson to be sent off.
The 28-year-old went on to help Oliver Glasner's Palace to glory as he joined a select band of Cumbrians to lift the FA Cup, such as Carlisle-born stars Kevin Beattie and David Geddis, and fellow Whitehaven favourite Jackie Sewell.
A frustrated Pep Guardiola confronted Henderson after the game
A frustrated Pep Guardiola confronted Henderson after the game (Image: PA)
After the final whistle Henderson was involved in an exchange with an angry-looking City boss Pep Guardiola.
This exchange between Pep Guardiola and Dean Henderson π#FACup pic.twitter.com/JaXxmyGNpR
β BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 17, 2025
The Cumbrian, who was on Carlisle United's academy books before joining Manchester United aged 14 and then Palace two years ago, then gave emotional post-match interviews when he remembered dad Dougie, who died last year.
βI lost my dad at the start of the season,β said the England international, speaking to BBC Sport.
βBut he was with me today. He was with me in every kick of the game. I dedicate that win to him."
Henderson added of Palace's historic achievement: "We were incredible today. We had a feeling it would be our day.
"The manager [had] a gameplan and we executed it. We deserve this so much."
The Cumbrian joined Dave Beasant, Mark Crossley and Petr Cech in the exclusive group of keepers to have saved an FA Cup final penalty.
βTo be fair, [Erling] Haaland might have stepped up," said Henderson, who attended St Benedict's School in Whitehaven.
"He gave it to Marmoush and I knew which way he was going. I knew I would save it.β