Dean Henderson paid an emotional tribute to his late father following Crystal Palace's historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last Saturday.
The Eagles goalkeeper dedicated the 1-0 win to his dad Dougie, who passed away before the start of the 2024/25 season.
The triumph at Wembley marked Palace's first major trophy in their 120-year history, with Eberechi Eze's 16th-minute strike proving decisive against Pep Guardiola's side.
Henderson played a crucial role in the victory, saving a first-half penalty from Omar Marmoush and producing some stellar saves to keep a clean sheet in the final.
Dean Henderson played a crucial role in Crystal Palace's historic FA Cup win
Reuters
Henderson's father Dougie tragically passed away aged 57, just 11 days after England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain last July, in which his son was an unused substitute.
Henderson's emotions showed during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday, where he reflected on the bittersweet nature of the triumph without his father present.
"It was obviously a hugely emotional day in that respect, the afterthought of it really comes when you can't pick up the phone with him and have a chat with him and tell him what you've done."
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Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush's 24th minute penalty
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The goalkeeper added: "He'd have normally been there in the stadium watching. But listen, it's incredible and I take good pride knowing that I think he was there with me."
The victory clearly held deep personal significance for Henderson beyond the historic achievement for his club.
Henderson was at the centre of controversy in the 24th minute when he handled the ball outside his box with Erling Haaland bearing down on goal.
VAR reviewed the incident but decided the offence did not warrant a red card, as it was not deemed a goalscoring opportunity.
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This decision proved crucial just ten minutes later, when Henderson saved Marmoush's penalty and preserved Palace's lead, ultimately helping secure a historic victory.
City manager Pep Guardiola was reportedly furious with the decision not to dismiss Henderson, which would have significantly altered the course of the match and potentially denied Palace their first major silverware.
The pair could be seen in a heated exchange after the game, with Guardiola expressing his deep frustrations following the confirmation of his side's first trophyless year since the 2016/17 season.
Henderson's thoughts had turned to his late father immediately after his FA Cup final heroics, however.
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In his post-match interview, the England international said: "It's why I left [Manchester United], it's what I set out to do. But honestly I lost my dad at the start of the season and I'll miss him here today. But he was with me every kick of the ball today and I dedicate that win to him."
At the end of the game, Guardiola appeared frustrated following the controversial decisions and Palace's approach to seeing out the match.
Recalling the incident with the City boss, Henderson told ITV: "I just want to shake his hand. But I think he was disappointed with the time wasting. I said, 'You got the ten minutes you wanted.' There's no hard feelings."
Despite the tension, nothing could diminish the significance of the achievement for Henderson and Crystal Palace as they celebrated their historic triumph at Wembley.
It was a first major trophy for Palace in their history, and an estimated 30,000 fans were able to be there to share the moment with the players.
Unfortunately, Dougie could not be one of those fans at the weekend. But, Henderson was keen to dedicate such a special moment to his late father.
