Ismaïla Sarr has emerged as one of Crystal Palace’s most valuable players this season, quietly transforming into an unsung hero after a transfer that took years to materialize. His recent performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, where he scored twice to secure Palace’s place in the final, was particularly impressive considering it came just days after his wife gave birth to twins. This personal milestone added a poignant backdrop to his match-winning display, underscoring the resilience and focus that have defined his time at Selhurst Park.
Since joining Palace last summer from Marseille, Sarr has flown largely under the radar amid a squad featuring notable talents such as Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Yet at a transfer fee of around £12 million plus bonuses, the 26-year-old Senegalese forward has proven to be one of the best bargains of the season. His tally of 11 goals so far and consistent presence in the starting lineup reflect the trust that manager Oliver Glasner places in him as Palace prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The journey to this point has been a long time in the making. Palace first spotted Sarr when he was a lanky teenager arriving at Metz from Génération Foot, the Senegalese academy known for producing stars like Sadio Mané. Despite interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Sarr initially chose to join Rennes before moving to Watford in 2019 for a club-record fee of £30 million. During his time at Watford, key Palace figures maintained contact with his representatives, considering a transfer on multiple occasions.
Sarr’s talent became undeniable during his debut Premier League season, especially after scoring twice in a 3-0 win over a Liverpool side that was then unbeaten and en route to the title. His pace, skill, and flair earned him descriptions such as “like a gazelle,” and he was linked with moves to bigger clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. However, it was Palace who eventually secured his services, a decision warmly welcomed behind the scenes at Selhurst Park.
Despite his success on the pitch, Sarr is known for being introverted and reserved. His mentor from Génération Foot highlighted how important it is for coaches to build trust with him, describing Sarr as affectionate but shy, needing to feel supported to truly flourish. This side of his personality became even more apparent during the isolation of the Covid pandemic, when adjusting to life in a new country proved challenging.
After winning Watford’s player of the year award in his second season, Sarr suffered an injury that sidelined him for much of the following campaign, coinciding with the club’s relegation. Palace attempted to sign him then but couldn’t finalize a deal, and Sarr spent the next season in the Championship before moving to Marseille. His time in France was difficult, with five different coaches and even a stint as a wingback, leaving him eager to return to London.
Once it became clear that Michael Olise was leaving Palace, Sarr was made the top target, and the club’s persistence paid off. Despite a slow start wearing the No. 7 shirt, he is now the only outfield player to have appeared in every game this season, a testament to his durability and commitment. Described by insiders as an “absolute warrior,” Sarr battles through aches and pains without complaint, a key figure in both attack and defense.
His contributions go beyond scoring goals. Sarr leads Palace in creating chances and plays a crucial role in Glasner’s high-pressing system, ranking second in pressures in the middle third of the pitch behind only Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League. His combination of speed, technical skill, and physicality makes him an invaluable asset for Palace as they prepare for their biggest game of the season.
Glasner has praised Sarr for being not only a great player but also a great person, highlighting how his unique blend of attributes helps Palace compete at the highest level. As the club aims for FA Cup glory, Sarr’s journey from a quietly persistent target to a decisive match-winner is a remarkable story of perseverance, talent, and character.
