Joel Drakes-Thomas impresses in senior debut for Crystal Palace
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 7:50 AM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
Joel Drakes-Thomas made his senior debut for Crystal Palace during a 2-2 draw with KuPS on August 2. The 16-year-old showcased his talent, earning player-of-the-match honors in the UEFA Conference League. Drakes-Thomas, who signed his first professional contract earlier this month, played again just two days later against Leeds, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the Premier League. He aims to continue his development in the 2026-27 season after joining Palace at age six.
- •Drakes-Thomas debuted for Crystal Palace in a Conference League match.
- •He scored a player-of-the-match performance in the 2-2 draw with KuPS.
- •He became the youngest Premier League player for the club against Leeds.
- •He signed his first professional contract earlier in July.
- •Drakes-Thomas aims for more opportunities in the upcoming season.
- 7:50 AMYahoo Sports — A youngster to watch - Joel Drakes-Thomas
"Crystal Palace's successful Conference League campaign, which ended with the Eagles winning their first European trophy, provided an opportunity for young players to impress. Joel Drakes-Thomas was one of those to shine as, aged 16 years and 192 days, he made his senior debut in the 2-2 draw with Finnish side KuPS, producing a player-of-the-match performance. Drakes-Thomas, who can play as a right wing-back or on the wing, turned 17 in June and signed his first professional contract with the Eagles at the beginning of July after being with the club since the age of six.
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