Crystal Palace supporters are making extraordinary efforts to attend the club’s first FA Cup final in decades, as the Eagles prepare to face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. The journey to the final is more than just a matchday for many fans-it’s a deeply personal pilgrimage filled with passion, memories, and hope.
Ross Phillips, 39, grew up in Australia but developed a strong bond with Crystal Palace through his mother’s Croydon roots. His first visit to Selhurst Park in 1994 sparked a lifelong devotion. Now living in Ukraine as an English teacher, Ross has endured a grueling 17-hour journey involving multiple trains and flights to make it to London for the final.
“It’s a nightmare, so tiring just to get out of Kyiv with all the military stops and trains,” Ross shared. “But missing the final is unthinkable. If Palace lift their first major trophy, I’d die a happy man.”
Jack Dunn, a 30-year-old season ticket holder, secured a ticket for the final but gave it up so his 16-year-old brother Johnny could attend. Johnny, who moved to Australia with their late father in 2014 and hasn’t been back since, will make his first solo flight to London for the occasion.
“This will be Johnny’s first game since Dad passed away,” Jack said. “I hope he’s our lucky charm. I queued for an hour to get the ticket, but family comes first. Hopefully, Palace can win it for our dad.”
Nigel Moore, an IT consultant living in New Zealand, traveled over 30 hours with his 13-year-old son Alfie to be at the final. Despite the high cost of flights and tickets, Nigel considers the experience priceless.
“The thought of Palace winning and me not being there scares me more than the positive thoughts of seeing them win,” he said. “It’s a family moment and something Alfie will never forget.”
Zane Gresback and his wife Angelike are flying in from South Carolina for only their second live Palace match, leaving their toddler behind for the first time. Zane’s connection to the club began by chance while working in China and has since grown into a deep passion for the team’s grit and spirit.
“Most American fans pick big clubs, but Palace’s underdog story resonated with me,” Zane explained. “The final is a celebration of togetherness-friends united by football from across the world.”
For the family and friends of Dena Collins, a devoted Crystal Palace season ticket holder who passed away two years ago, the final will be a poignant occasion. Dena, a primary school teacher from south London, died suddenly from an undiagnosed blood clot.
Stephanie Brewer, a close friend, and others will wear shirts bearing Dena’s name and number 28, the age she was when she died, as a tribute.
“Dena lit up every room and loved the club fiercely,” Stephanie said. “Having her with us in spirit at Wembley brings us peace. It would be amazing if we win-it would feel like she’s still here celebrating with us.”
The FA Cup final is more than a game for Crystal Palace fans worldwide-it’s a moment of unity, remembrance, and the hope of making history. The BBC will broadcast live coverage from 15:25 BST on Saturday on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Radio 5 Live.