Former Crystal Palace captain Joel Ward has opened up about the "whirlwind" of leading the Eagles to their first major trophy, as he steps into a new role as a television pundit and documentary subject.
From Wembley Glory to TV Screens
Joel Ward, 36, helped mastermind one of the great FA Cup final shocks in May 2025, as Crystal Palace defeated Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at Wembley. Now a free agent after 13 years at Selhurst Park and having joined Swansea City, Ward is reliving the magic through punditry for TNT Sports and a starring role in a new documentary.
The broadcaster's film, 'The FA Cup: The People's Story', premiered on TNT Sports 1 on Friday 8 January. It features Palace's historic triumph alongside other iconic moments like Everton's 1966 win and Sunderland's 1973 victory. The documentary delves into the social significance of the competition and what the win meant to South London.
A Personal and Club Fairytale
For Ward, the final was the culmination of an intensely emotional period. His daughter was born just two days before the match, and he knew his long Palace career was ending. He was also deeply touched when manager Oliver Glasner and club captain Marc Guehi ensured he was a central part of the day, despite being on the bench, with his son acting as a mascot.
"It was nice to relive it because the whole time was a bit of a whirlwind," Ward told Mirror Sport. "When you roll the tape back, all the memories and emotions come flooding back. The feeling around the club, the journey everyone went on - including the fans - was just electric."
He praised Glasner for changing the club's mindset and Guehi as a "role model and remarkable individual," highlighting the squad's unity. "2025 has been an incredible year, an unforgettable year and one that will go down in the history books and last forever," Ward added.
The FA Cup's Enduring Magic
Ward believes last year's final, a classic underdog story, had "a little bit of everything." He recalls moments of despair, gasps, and jubilation, embodying the unpredictable drama that makes the competition beloved.
"The FA Cup is often stories about coming through against all odds with giant killings and upsets," he said. "It represents a bit of hope and something for the underdogs to chase."
The documentary's release coincides with the start of TNT Sports' new four-year deal as the home of the FA Cup. This season, they will show 22 live games from the third round, with over 50 matches in total on TNT and discovery+. This includes an innovative Saturday afternoon 'Goals Show' hosted by Matt Smith, Steve McManaman, and Fara Williams.
The increased coverage and revenue provide a significant boost to clubs across the football pyramid, underlining the competition's status as the heartbeat of the English game.
