When Crystal Palace lifted the FA Cup for the very first time in their history, it wasn’t just a win — it was a historic moment that sent shockwaves through the football world.
The Eagles’ stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley was the kind of underdog story fans dream about, and the celebrations that followed were nothing short of electric.
Henderson Takes Center Stage with an Unforgettable Chant
One of the standout moments after the final whistle wasn’t just on the pitch but on the balcony at BoxPark, where the players and fans gathered to celebrate.
Dean Henderson, Palace’s goalkeeper, grabbed the microphone and led the crowd in a cheeky, X-rated chant based on Shakira’s “Waka Waka.”
He sang loudly and proudly:
“Tsamina mina, eh, eh, waka waka, eh, eh, 12 again who gives a f***, we’ve won the FA Cup!”
The crowd roared back, joining in the chant multiple times.
Henderson’s words playfully poked fun at Palace’s long history of mid-table finishes since returning to the Premier League in 2013, reminding everyone that finishing 12th or so didn’t matter anymore — they were now FA Cup champions.
The Heroics on the Pitch
The game itself was a nail-biter. Eberechi Eze was the hero, scoring the only goal from a Daniel Munoz assist, sending the Eagles to glory.
Henderson was a key figure too, pulling off a dramatic penalty save against Omar Marmoush and making several crucial stops to keep the clean sheet.
At one point, he even avoided a red card after handling the ball outside the box — moments like these made all the difference.
Celebrations in Full Swing
Long-serving midfielder Will Hughes was also spotted soaking up the joy, downing a pint while joining the chants and cheers on the balcony.
The mood was one of pure jubilation, with the entire Palace squad celebrating what might be their most memorable night ever.
Words from the Club Chairman
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish took a moment to thank the fans who had packed BoxPark to support the team:
“This has been an unbelievable moment for all of us, for South London.
I want to thank each and every one of you.
You have been absolutely amazing, all the people who have given us support.”
A Player’s Close Call
Not everyone was able to join the post-match party right away.
Young midfielder Adam Wharton had a scary moment late in the game when he was hit in the head by a fierce shot from Kevin De Bruyne.
Though he walked off the field on his own and looked fine, the medical team wisely sent him for concussion checks.
Wharton missed the early celebrations but later shared a lighthearted message on Instagram with a photo of himself in a hospital bed, joking:
“Apparently we won the FA Cup! EAGLESSSSSSSSSS.”
What’s Next for Crystal Palace?
With this historic FA Cup win, Crystal Palace has not only made history but also secured a spot in next season’s Europa League.
From mid-table regulars to cup winners and European competitors, the Eagles are set to soar higher than ever before.