Crystal Palace player of the season 2025-26: Ismaila Sarr | OneFootball

Ismaila Sarr is Crystal Palace’s player of the season after a stellar campaign capped by a reflective moment in Leipzig after the Conference League final. According to NY Times, team-mates and supporters recognised the Senegal forward as Palace’s most influential performer in 2025-26.

Few expected such a rise after a slow start in south London, but he embraced new ideas under Oliver Glasner and adapted. Signed from Marseille two years ago, he is now settled and diligent.

With Eberechi Eze sold to Arsenal at the end of the summer window, Sarr took on greater attacking responsibility. He found pockets, timed runs and finished reliably, while his defensive work in Glasner’s system was crucial.

Sarr struck nine Premier League goals and nine in the Conference League, finishing with 21 in all competitions, plus two assists. Palace felt his absence in December through injury and again in January during the Africa Cup of Nations, a spell that coincided with a 12-game winless run.

He scored in every Conference League knockout tie bar the final, including both goals in the 2-1 last-16 second leg against AEK Larnaca. His knack for being in the right place proved decisive.

Glasner hailed his impact, noting Sarr’s eight league goals last season and that he had tipped him for double figures this time, a target he narrowly missed in a single competition. He said the system suits Sarr, who now reads movements, works both ways and plays between the lines rather than only running beyond.

Source: NY Times