Joél Drakes-Thomas

Joél Jason Drakes-Thomas (born 9 June 2009) is an English professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Early life Drakes-Thomas was born on 9 June 2009, in Wandsworth, London, England. He is of Jamaican descent through his parents.

Club career Growing up, Drakes-Thomas played in the youth set-up of Lambeth Tigers F.C..

Following his stint there, he joined the youth academy of Premier League club Crystal Palace and made his debut for their under-21 team at the age of just 15. In 2025, he was promoted to the club's senior team. He made his professional senior debut on 18 December 2025, starting in a 2–2 draw against KuPS in the UEFA Conference League. At 16 years and 192 days, Drakes-Thomas became the youngest Crystal Palace player and the youngest English player to feature in the competition, surpassing Chelsea's Reggie Walsh by two days. He made his Premier League debut two days later, on the 20 December, as an 86th minute substitute replacing Yéremy Pino, in a 4–1 defeat to Leeds United.

Drakes-Thomas signed his first professional contract with Palace on 1 July 2026.

International career Drakes-Thomas is an England youth international. During October and November 2025, he played for the England national under-17 football team in the 2026 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification.

Style of play Drakes-Thomas mainly plays as a right winger, but can operate as an attacking midfielder and has also occasionally played as a right wing-back. Predominantly right-footed, he is known for his pace and direct running.

Career statistics