Top 20 Greatest Crystal Palace Players of All Time Ranked
Crystal Palace’s legacy at Selhurst Park is defined by players who delivered skill, passion, and iconic moments. This ranking is based on player’s appearances, goals, years at the club, and contributions highlighted. Here are the top 20 Eagles.
20. Peter Taylor (1973–1976, 149 appearances, 45 goals)
A skillful winger, Taylor was the first Palace player to score for England while in Division Three, starring with 45 goals in the 1970s.
A skillful winger, Taylor was the first Palace player to score for England while in Division Three, starring with 45 goals in the 1970s.
19. John Jackson (1964–1973, 333 appearances, 0 goals)
Nicknamed “Stonewall,” Jackson’s goalkeeping heroics in 333 games were pivotal in the 1968-69 promotion to the top flight.
Nicknamed “Stonewall,” Jackson’s goalkeeping heroics in 333 games were pivotal in the 1968-69 promotion to the top flight.
18. Eberechi Eze (2020–present, 150+ appearances, 30+ goals)
Eze’s flair and 20+ goal contributions in 2024-25, including FA Cup heroics, mark him as a modern star.
Eze’s flair and 20+ goal contributions in 2024-25, including FA Cup heroics, mark him as a modern star.
17. Joel Ward (2012–present)
Ward’s 350+ appearances and captaincy anchored Palace’s longest Premier League era. His £400,000 transfer from Portsmouth is a steal.
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16. Dougie Freedman (1995–1997, 2000–2008, 368 appearances, 108 goals)
Freedman’s 108 goals, including a crucial 2001 survival strike, across two spells cemented his status as a fan favorite.
Freedman’s 108 goals, including a crucial 2001 survival strike, across two spells cemented his status as a fan favorite.
15. Johnny Byrne (1956–1962, 1967–1968, 206 appearances, 91 goals)
“Budgie” was a prolific scorer, netting 91 goals in the 1950s and 1960s before shining at West Ham.
“Budgie” was a prolific scorer, netting 91 goals in the 1950s and 1960s before shining at West Ham.
14. Don Rogers (1968–1972, 184 appearances, 54 goals)
Rogers’ dazzling wing play and 54 goals helped Palace reach the First Division in 1969.
Rogers’ dazzling wing play and 54 goals helped Palace reach the First Division in 1969.
13. Kenny Sansom (1975–1980, 172 appearances, 3 goals)
A youth product, Sansom’s class as a left-back aided the 1978-79 promotion, later earning 86 England caps.
A youth product, Sansom’s class as a left-back aided the 1978-79 promotion, later earning 86 England caps.
12. Peter Simpson (1929–1935, 195 appearances, 165 goals)
The pre-war striker holds Palace’s record for most goals in a match (6, 1930) and remains the top scorer.
The pre-war striker holds Palace’s record for most goals in a match (6, 1930) and remains the top scorer.
11. John Salako (1986–1995, 215 appearances, 22 goals)
Salako’s dynamic wing play and crosses were key in Palace’s 1990-91 third-place finish and 1990 FA Cup final.
Salako’s dynamic wing play and crosses were key in Palace’s 1990-91 third-place finish and 1990 FA Cup final.
10. Vince Hilaire (1977–1984, 255 appearances, 29 goals)
Hilaire’s pace and flair on the wing shone during the 1978-79 promotion, making him a fan favorite.
Hilaire’s pace and flair on the wing shone during the 1978-79 promotion, making him a fan favorite.
9. Nigel Martyn (1989–1996, 272 appearances, 0 goals)
A top goalkeeper, Martyn’s saves in the 1990 FA Cup final run earned him a Centenary XI spot.
A top goalkeeper, Martyn’s saves in the 1990 FA Cup final run earned him a Centenary XI spot.
8. Julian Speroni (2004–2019, 399 appearances, 0 goals)
Palace’s greatest goalkeeper, Speroni’s saves in 399 games, including the 2013 promotion, earned four Player of the Year awards.
Palace’s greatest goalkeeper, Speroni’s saves in 399 games, including the 2013 promotion, earned four Player of the Year awards.
7. Attilio Lombardo (1997–1999, 49 appearances, 10 goals)
The “Bald Eagle” brought Juventus-honed brilliance, scoring 10 goals and becoming a cult hero.
The “Bald Eagle” brought Juventus-honed brilliance, scoring 10 goals and becoming a cult hero.
6. Andy Johnson (2002–2006, 161 appearances, 85 goals)
“AJ” scored 85 goals, including 21 in the 2004-05 Premier League, second only to Henry, keeping Palace up.
“AJ” scored 85 goals, including 21 in the 2004-05 Premier League, second only to Henry, keeping Palace up.
5. Mark Bright (1986–1992, 286 appearances, 113 goals)
Bright’s 113 goals, including the 1987-88 Second Division Golden Boot, fueled the 1990 FA Cup run.
Bright’s 113 goals, including the 1987-88 Second Division Golden Boot, fueled the 1990 FA Cup run.
4. Jim Cannon (1970–1988, 660 appearances, 36 goals)
“Mr. Crystal Palace” holds the appearance record, captaining the 1978-79 promotion side with unmatched grit.
“Mr. Crystal Palace” holds the appearance record, captaining the 1978-79 promotion side with unmatched grit.
3. Wilfried Zaha (2009–2013, 2014–2023, 458 appearances, 90 goals)
A modern icon, Zaha’s flair, 90 goals, and three Player of the Year awards (2015-18) defined Palace’s Premier League era.
A modern icon, Zaha’s flair, 90 goals, and three Player of the Year awards (2015-18) defined Palace’s Premier League era.
2. Ian Wright (1985–1991, 277 appearances, 117 goals)
Wright’s 117 goals, including a 1990 FA Cup final brace, make him Palace’s third-highest scorer and a Centenary XI pick.
Wright’s 117 goals, including a 1990 FA Cup final brace, make him Palace’s third-highest scorer and a Centenary XI pick.
1. Geoff Thomas (1987–1993, 249 appearances, 35 goals)
The captain led Palace to third in 1990-91 and the 1990 FA Cup final, earning nine England caps.
The captain led Palace to third in 1990-91 and the 1990 FA Cup final, earning nine England caps.
These players, from Taylor’s wing play to Thomas’ leadership, embody Crystal Palace’s enduring legacy.
