Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Football Club, founded in 1861, proudly holds a claim as one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world. Its origins are uniquely tied to the famous Crystal Palace Exhibition building in Hyde Park, with the club initially formed by workers at the site. After a period of dormancy, the club was re-established in 1905 and has since become a permanent fixture of South London football. The club's home is the iconic Selhurst Park in the London Borough of Croydon, a ground known for its intense atmosphere and the passionate support of the Holmesdale Fanatics. Palace's identity is built on resilience and a never-say-die spirit, often characterized as a hard-working, counter-attacking side that punches above its weight. This underdog mentality has endeared them to fans and neutrals alike. While major trophies have eluded them, Palace has a proud history of memorable achievements. They reached the 1990 FA Cup Final, famously drawing with Manchester United before losing the replay, and were finalists again in 2016. The club has also celebrated several promotions to the top flight, most recently establishing themselves as a stable Premier League club since 2013. Legendary players include Ian Wright, who began his prolific career at Selhurst Park, and the club's all-time record appearance holder, Jim Cannon. In the modern era, winger Wilfried Zaha became a talismanic figure, embodying the club's flair and fight. The fierce rivalry with Brighton & Hove Albion, known as the M23 derby, is particularly intense, while matches against Millwall and Charlton Athletic also carry significant local weight. An interesting fact is that the club's nickname, "The Eagles," and their iconic claret and blue kit were adopted in the 1970s under manager Malcolm Allison, moving away from their original red and blue stripes. Today, under the long-term ownership of Steve Parish and with a vibrant, diverse fanbase, Crystal Palace continues to write its storied chapter in English football, blending its deep history with a dynamic Premier League presence.