Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## Born in the USA

> After a remarkable two-year journey from Alabama to Bayern Munich, Chris Richards fulfilled a lifelong dream when he moved to the Premier League with Crystal Palace in 2022.

Born in Alabama, USA, Richards began his career near Houston before joining F.C. Dallas’ Academy and earning a professional contract there.

He moved to Houston and then Dallas aged 16 – both over 600 miles from his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where his parents still live – and initially lived alone with a host family. He then made the even larger jump of joining Bayern Munich aged 18, where he learnt fluent German and made his senior debut shortly after signing.

From here Richards’ rise was swift: he made his senior debut in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, his professional debut with Bayern Munich II in 2019, and his full Bayern debut in June 2020. A few months later he featured as a substitute in the German side’s DFL-Supercup win over Borussia Dortmund.

The young defender went on to represent Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League before joining 1899 Hoffenheim on loan in 2021. He has played a total of 82 professional matches.

Richards began his international career early, too, competing with the US Under-20s to win the CONCACAF U20 Championship aged 18. His performances at this level earned him a senior debut in November 2020, coming on as a substitute against Panama. Richards has since amassed seven further caps.

He made his debut for the Eagles at Anfield as a second-half substitute in August 2022. Richards went on to make his first start for the club, after a leg injury, in January 2023 in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

Commenting on his first start he said: “It was worth the wait! Being able to make it \[my first Premier League start\] at home, especially in a game like tonight, was amazing."

His performances against Manchester United home and away, along with keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United, saw him win the club's Player of the Month award in January 2023.

Richards' first domestic season in red and blue ended with 10 appearances in total, however he also managed to score his first international goal in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League against Canada to guide the United States to a 2-0 win.

The 2023/24 campaign saw Richards establish more of a place in the side, playing multiple roles as a centre-back, defensive midfielder and even as a right-back. He racked up 30 appearances in total, and scored his first goal against Burnley in a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Richards also found CONCACAF Nations League success once more, winning the title again in a 2-0 win over Mexico in March 2024. He was also recognised for his exceptional work with the Palace for Life Foundation - winning the PFA Community Champion award.

In 2024/25, Richards made 32 appearances across all competitions - six of which were in the FA Cup, where he played every single minute on the way to making history in the final against Manchester City.

2020

IFFHS Men's World Youth Team

January 2023

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

2023/24

PFA Community Champion

Richards

Twitter

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

Richards reflects on 100th Palace appearance

CPFC x SunExpress aircraft livery

Chris Richards Previews Fulham

The best of our Defenders | Brighton (H)

Chris speaks on victory against Brentford

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 1-1 Millwall

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v Millwall | Palace TV+

Chris speaks on win against Millwall

Richards reflects on victory at Villa Park

Chris speaks on tough game against Nottingham Forest

Chris speaks on solid performance against Chelsea

Richards on the final game at Anfield 

Fa Cup Final | Chris Richards & Matt Turner | Post Match Interview

Richards praises team spirit

The making of Glad All Over by the DS Eagles

Goals Inside Box

Goals Outside Box

Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

Recoveries

Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

*This interview was initially published in the Crystal Palace v Manchester City programme in December 2025 - you can [buy issues of the matchday programme by clicking HERE](https://shop.cpfc.co.uk/giftssouvenirs/souvenirs/programmes/).*

Dean Henderson’s reaction saves are up there with the very best in the Premier League.

His stop in the win away at Burnley last month was a prime example and later nominated for the December Premier League Save of the Month award.

Midway through the second-half, forward Jacob Bruun Larsen fired home a shot from close range, but the Palace No. 1 with micro-seconds to react, managed to get a fingertip on it and preserve his clean sheet. 

It was a match-saving intervention that made the difference between three points and one. But where did this trait come from?

Henderson was a promising wicketkeeper as a youth cricketer and believes the skills he picked up there have continued to benefit him in his football career.

“I think the wicket-keeping has actually set me in good stead for life as a goalkeeper,” he told the matchday programme.

“You see quite a lot of my attributes in goal, particularly when I was younger, I had that wide set.

“I could react very quickly if the ball changed direction. That was all because of cricket.” 

Henderson in fact had two saves nominated for the award, with the stop against Burnley making it seven shutouts in 14 games and, at the time, had him joint-second in the race for the Premier League Golden Glove award.  

Although few would argue that Jordan Pickford hasn’t deserved to be England’s first-choice in recent tournaments, Henderson’s form for Palace over the last few years is making him increasingly hard to ignore at international level. 

Thomas Tuchel arriving as England manager to lead the Three Lions at the World Cup next summer, has only improved Henderson’s opportunities to impress. 

He was given the start in a World Cup qualifier away to Albania in the last international break of 2025, winning his fourth cap and keeping a clean sheet. 

“It’s different because at club level you’ve always got the clear number one,” he adds. “At international level, it’s difficult at times because you invest so much into it emotionally and physically. 

“But I’ve always been told in football that if you work hard and keep knocking on the door, you’ll get opportunities eventually. 

“It was fantastic to get a start in probably the toughest group game of the campaign so far. It was a tough place to go and I felt the team did well, the clean sheet from that game felt like a nice reward.” 

Henderson won’t be the only player eyeing a World Cup place going into next summer. But he remains focused, first and foremost, on keeping his performances for Palace at a high level. 

“England is in the back of my mind,” he adds. “But ultimately you get rewarded from your club form. I’ve got to keep pushing the level I’ve been playing at, making sure I’m in good form and a good position. 

“Then if I’m called upon, I’ll be ready.” 

Henderson is making a push, not only because he is an in-form Premier League goalkeeper, but because he has also shown he can play a big role in his team winning silverware.

Of course, Dean was one of the standout heroes from both the FA Cup final and the Community Shield victories last year.

When Palace defeated Manchester City in the former, Henderson managed to encapsulate the full range of emotions Palace fans in the stadium and across the world were feeling that day. 

There was the joy after his double save following City’s first-half penalty, one of two moments that defined the most important match in Eagles history.

Then at full-time, interviewed on the pitch, there was the poignant tribute to his late father who Henderson said was “with him in every kick of the game.” 

A few hours later in the team celebrations at Wembley BOXPARK, Henderson led the way with the now iconic chant to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup hit ‘Waka Waka.’ You all know the words.

It’s still being sung home and away this season, so did the man himself expect that at the time?

“It wasn’t during the game that I first heard it,” recalls Henderson. “It was when we played Arsenal a few weeks before, the 2-2 draw. I got back to the training ground, in my car. The kit man comes over to me and he says ‘listen to this, this is the song we’ll sing when we win it.’

“I thought ‘wow that sounds good,’ so I memorised it, thinking we could sing it together. But when I got passed the microphone, I was looking for him, for a duet, and he wasn’t there.

It's a fantastic feeling to hear the fans singing it

“Obviously I sang it on my own. But I didn’t think it would kick off the way it has. It’s a fantastic feeling to hear the fans singing it.

“It’s special and takes me back to that day.”

Going back to the 36th minute on that day, was he not thrown by seeing Omar Marmoush step up to take it, as opposed to City’s goalscoring extraordinaire Erling Haaland – who seemed, to many, the obvious choice?

“I had a plan for Haaland taking it,” he reveals. “And I was quite quietly confident about it.

“But obviously when Marmoush then takes the ball so that plan has gone. It felt like fate at that point. I wasn’t 100% sure, he could have easily gone the other way.

“I just thought it was a big pressure moment for his first City penalty… he probably strikes the ball as hard as I’ve seen anyone strike it.

“I knew if I went early and threw my weight behind it, I’d have a good chance of saving it. To see the ball coming towards me was something else, I just then had to get back up quick to save from Haaland. I went with everything and thankfully held onto it.

“Goalkeepers are never expected to save it in some ways, but I put that expectation on myself. I pride myself on saving penalties.

“I did think to myself before it, if I save this penalty, the scenes behind me are going to be the greatest thing ever.

“Since that day I’ve seen the videos back and it gives me goosebumps, I just wish I could go back to it and feel it!”

Although ‘keepers are perennially second favourites in a two-horse race, when facing a spot-kick, Henderson’s penalty saving is becoming a not-so-secret weapon.

Should he save the next two Premier League kicks he faces, he’ll join former Arsenal ‘keeper Manuel Almunia as statistically the best penalty saver in the league’s history – to have faced 10 spot-kicks or more.

“I don't want to put myself under too much pressure with it,” he adds. “Because obviously the penalty takers at this level are very good and probably should score.

“But I do my homework, I prepare right and when the opportunity comes, I back myself.”

With his level of confidence and belief, Henderson was the perfect candidate to replace Marc Guéhi as the club captain for the rest of the season.

Now he’ll be looking to drive the team forward for a successful second-half of 2025/26 both domestically, and in Europe.

One of Palace’s best signings in recent years, FA Cup final hero and England international – Dean Henderson, is now wearing the armband. We hear his take on his World Cup dream and, of course, his memories of those Wembley triumphs…

Dean Henderson: Palace's No. 1 – and new captain – in his words

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No sooner had Ladd signed for Palace than she bagged her first goal for the club, curling a free-kick into the top corner against Sheffield United.

It was as good as debut goals come, and it set the tone for a very positive month for the Wales international.

She sat down this week to talk about that goal, her start to life in South London, and what to expect against the Saints.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In case you missed it 👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿</p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. Women (@cpfc_w) <a href="https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2011068213476348040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking about her first few weeks at Palace, Ladd said: "My first month at the club has been, well, a bit of a whirlwind, but so enjoyable as well.

"I found the girls so welcoming and just brilliant to be around from the get-go.

"Everyone has been super welcoming, but probably Chloë Arthur and Jamie-Lee Napier in particular have been really helpful, showing me around the building and just getting me comfortable and familiar with everything.

"Elise Hughes and Josie Green, obviously the fellow Welshies, they've definitely been very welcoming. I have just loved everything so far."

Ladd has represented Wales 111 times, but spent her earlier years in Hertfordshire.

She spoke about the move to London from Liverpool and the benefit of being closer to her family and friends.

Ladd said: "I'm originally from just north of London. I guess I didn't think of it too much in terms of homecoming but it has been so amazing to be back in the city and connected to my family and friends more easily.

"I've had lots of people coming to the games and obviously last week was our first home game at Sutton and I had a big turnout, I think had about 10 people there - a mixture of family and friends, so it's been brilliant!"

It's been a good start on the pitch as well.

Ladd spoke about that Sheffield United goal and what was going through her head when she stepped up to take it.

"I think Ash \[Weerden\] won the free kick and then she was kind of looking around - 'does anybody want it?' 

"And then she asked me and I was like: 'yeah, I don't mind!'

"I've not taken free kicks in a long time, so I didn't really see myself as the number one person to put forward. But, yeah, I was happy to give it a crack. 

"And I think I've scored a few free kicks over the course of my career so fortunately, I can add this one to my collection. And definitely it's the most special," she said.

I think part of that good form is just being hungry to get better, to not be satisfied with wins

She continued: "I know it was a brilliant start, definitely one that I didn't didn't expect. I was just so grateful to kind of get on the pitch and try and help the team move forward.

"As a team, I think we are hitting a really nice run of form. We're definitely not satisfied. I think part of that good form is just being hungry to get better, to not be satisfied with wins.

"You just want to keep it going, game after game, focusing on that next cup final, and just keeping the focus and the momentum moving forwards.

"I think it's been plain sailing in terms of me coming into the team and joining midway through that streak and already enjoying the fruits of the team hitting a great run of form."

Finally, she looked ahead to Palace's visit to St Mary's, and what the Eagles can expect against the Saints.

Ladd said: "I can already attest to every game of the WSL2 being really tough.

"I don't know much about Southampton, but I obviously know that they're a really strong side and going away from home is never easy as well.

"So, we certainly will have to turn all our focus towards this game and give it our best shot and hopefully come out with three points."

**Ladd and the team return to the VBS Community Stadium in Sutton on Sunday, 8th February to take on Bristol City.**

**Get your tickets for this game by clicking the button below!**

Buy Bristol City tickets here!

January signing Hayley Ladd has seamlessly fit into life at Crystal Palace since her transfer from Everton. She talks about the move back to London, how she felt after scoring that free-kick against Sheffield United, and looks ahead to Southampton on Sunday.

Hayley Ladd on London life, that free-kick, and the desire to get even better

Southampton F.C. Women v Crystal Palace Women (2026-02-01)

Having played the away leg the week before, the Eagles will host the 2024/25 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina winners at Selhurst Park, bidding to seal a spot in the UEFA Conference League last 16.

**Supporters are urged to read the below information in full before purchasing tickets.**

#### Information for Season Ticket Holders

**Season Ticket Holders will once again have a priority to purchase their normal seat and can do so by following the step-by-step guide which can be found underneath the sales phases below.**

To purchase tickets on behalf of a friend or family member, you must have a strong relationship, which can be set in the **Friends and Family section** of the [Ticketing website](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/). [**Click here to find out how to do this**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/how-to-use-palace-app-and-website/)**.**

Unfortunately, due to UEFA requirements and the addition of a singing section a small number of Season Ticket Holders will be displaced and instead offered a priority on all remaining seats in Phase 2. All displaced Season Ticket Holders will be emailed in advance of tickets going on sale.

#### Sales Phases

*All phases subject to availability.*

**Phase 1:** Season Ticket Holders can purchase their own, reserved seat.

- **From 10:00, Friday 30th January:** online only
- **From 16:00, Friday 30th January**: via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)
- **The deadline to purchase your own seat is 09:59 on Monday, 2nd February.** *Please note online sales will conclude at 09:00 this day; to purchase after this time, please call the Box Office.*

**Phase 2:** Displaced Season Ticket Holders can purchase up to four tickets per person.

- **From 10:00, Monday 2nd February:** online only
- **From 14:00:** via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 3:** Season Ticket+ Holders, Gold Members and Junior Gold Members can purchase up to four tickets per person.

- **From 10:00, Tuesday 3rd February:** online only
- **From 14:00:** via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

**Phase 4:** All other Members and Season Ticket Holders can purchase up to four tickets per person.

- **From 10:00, Wednesday 4th February:** online only
- **From 14:00:** via all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)

#### Ticket Distribution

All tickets for this fixture will be emailed approximately one week before the game to the transaction owner, and will be available as PDF print at home tickets, or Digital tickets to download to your Apple or Google Wallet.

#### How to purchase in Phase 1

Season Ticket Holders looking to purchase their own seats can do so by following the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log into [**the Ticketing section**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebsiteStory-StockportTickets-12.12.24) of the website.
2. Click the **‘My Account’ icon** in the top-right hand corner of the screen.
3. Click **‘Reserved Tickets’**.
4. Click **'Show Reserved Tickets'** and then add the tickets you wish to purchase to your basket.
5. Click the **basket** in the top-right of the screen and then follow the remaining on-screen instructions to checkout.

Season Ticket Holders who wish to purchase their own seats should note that they will be **unable to change the age band** of their usual ticket. For example, if your Season Ticket was purchased as an Adult, you can only purchase your reserved ticket as an Adult.

#### Prices

**Season Ticket Holders (Phases 1 & 2)**

- **Adults:** £35
- **Seniors (65+) and 18-21s:** £25
- **Under 18s:** £20

**All other supporters (Phase 3 onwards)**

- **Adults:** £40
- **Seniors (65+) and 18-21s:** £30
- **Under 18s:** £25

#### Premium Matchday Packages

This exciting European clash under the Selhurst Park lights is the perfect time to experience one of our Premium lounges, offering a range of modern dining and inclusive drinks to enjoy amongst friends, family or colleagues.

**Explore our packages or speak to one of our team by [enquiring now.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/hospitality/enquire/)**

#### Match Details

**Crystal Palace v Zrinjski Mostar**

- Thursday, 26th February
- Kick-off time TBC
- Selhurst Park
- UEFA Conference League play-off round, second leg

Tickets for the home leg of our UEFA Conference League play-off round – against HŠK Zrinjski Mostar, on Thursday, 26th February (kick-off time TBC) – will go on sale to supporters from 10:00 GMT on Friday, with ticket prices frozen from the group stages.

Zrinjski Mostar (H) tickets on sale from Friday

Crystal Palace v Zrinjski Mostar (2026-02-26)

Features

Features

Dean Henderson: Palace's No. 1 – and new captain – in his words

Hayley Ladd on London life, that free-kick, and the desire to get even better

Zrinjski Mostar (H) tickets on sale from Friday

Shop Palace Shirts

26Chris
Richards

Features

Features

Dean Henderson: Palace's No. 1 – and new captain – in his words

Hayley Ladd on London life, that free-kick, and the desire to get even better

Zrinjski Mostar (H) tickets on sale from Friday

Shop Palace Shirts

26ChrisRichards

26Chris
Richards