Founded in 1905 within the grounds of the famous Crystal Palace exhibition building in South London, under the chairmanship of Sydney Bourne with the help of Edmund Goodman. The club played home games inside the Palace grounds until 1915, before eventually settling at Selhurst Park in 1924, where they have remained for over a century.

Palace have oscillated between divisions throughout their history, but since returning to the Premier League in 2013 they have established themselves as a permanent top-flight fixture. The club is deeply rooted in the working-class community of South London, and the pre-match anthem "Glad All Over" embodies the passionate atmosphere that makes Selhurst Park one of the most intimidating grounds in England.

In May 2025, Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 to win the FA Cup for the first time in their 120-year history, securing their first major trophy. They followed this up by defeating Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield in August, completing a remarkable double.

Oliver Glasner transformed the team after his appointment in February 2024, building a resilient side around a 3-4-3 system. Wing-backs Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell operate high and wide, while the wider centre-backs provide build-up passing options. Two flat defensive and midfield lines compress space centrally, with the number 10 tucking in to eliminate half-spaces as wing-backs create overloads against opposing full-backs.

Defensive solidity and set-piece organisation form the foundation, with rapid transitions providing the cutting edge. The FA Cup triumph was the ultimate expression of Glasner's "defend and strike" philosophy. Glasner announced in January 2026 that he would leave at the end of the season, adding extra intrigue to the campaign ahead.

Opened in 1924, Selhurst Park is compact by Premier League standards at 25,486 capacity, but the tight proximity of the stands to the pitch generates a uniquely intense atmosphere. The Holmesdale Road end is particularly renowned for its vocal support, widely regarded as one of the best atmospheres in the division.

The club is currently undertaking a major Main Stand redevelopment, financed by a consortium led by Goldman Sachs. The project will increase capacity to 34,259, with construction beginning in January 2026 and completion targeted during the 2026-27 season. The new all-glass facade is designed as an homage to the original Crystal Palace on Sydenham Hill.