Eagles Captain Joel Ward to Leave Crystal Palace After 13 Years
Joel Ward to Depart Crystal Palace After 13 Years of Service
Loyalty and Legacy in Red and Blue
Joel Ward will leave Crystal Palace this summer, concluding a distinguished 13-year spell at Selhurst Park. The veteran defender, who has become synonymous with the club's identity during the Premier League era, will move on once his contract expires.
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Having signed from Portsmouth in 2012, Ward quickly embedded himself into the culture and fabric of the south London side. More than just a reliable right-back, he evolved into a leader, a mainstay, and eventually club captain — embodying the values of consistency, humility and commitment.
His departure brings to a close a remarkable chapter for Palace, with Ward leaving as the club's eighth-highest appearance maker, racking up 363 games across all competitions. In April 2024, he became the first Crystal Palace player to reach 300 appearances in the Premier League.
From Championship Arrival to Premier League Stalwart
Ward's journey with Palace began in the Championship under Dougie Freedman. It was under Ian Holloway, however, that he played a pivotal role in the club's promotion campaign in 2012-13 — a season which ended at Wembley with victory in the play-off final. His efforts that year earned him the club's Young Player of the Season award.
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From there, he established himself as a Premier League regular, outlasting several managerial changes and squad overhauls. Perhaps most memorably, Ward featured in every minute of Palace's run to the FA Cup final in 2016. The Eagles ultimately fell to Manchester United after extra time, but Ward's consistency throughout the tournament stood out.
Now 35, his departure signals the end of an era — not only in terms of service but the character he brought to the dressing room. He remained a dependable figure, both in defensive duties and as a cultural touchstone within the club.
Emotional Farewell from Player and Club
Ward's goodbye was heartfelt. Speaking to club media, he said:
'For me, it's been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.
'It's been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.
'Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I've been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I'd like to think I'm part of the family.
'This isn't 'goodbye' – it's merely a 'see you later.''
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Club chairman Steve Parish paid glowing tribute to the departing captain:
'From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club: open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.
'Simply put, over the course of 13 years' service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him: in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.
'This is a great time to celebrate Joel's achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend. Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.'
End of an Era, Start of a Legacy
Ward's influence extends well beyond statistics. His professionalism set a benchmark for younger players, and his status as club captain was earned not just through experience but through leadership, humility, and unwavering dedication to the badge.
As Crystal Palace look to the future, the legacy left by Ward will remain a reference point — a reminder of what it means to represent the club with distinction.
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