Walter Benítez has marked one year since Crystal Palace announced his signing by saying his Selhurst Park move quickly became “like home” after a trophy-winning first season in South London.
Palace confirmed the Argentina goalkeeper’s anniversary on Tuesday, 23 June, noting that his deal was first announced on the same date in 2025 before he joined the squad from PSV Eindhoven on 1 July.
The club’s official interview revisits a season in which Benítez became a penalty-shootout hero on debut against Millwall, helped Palace through a tense UEFA Conference League night away to AEK Larnaca and ended the campaign with European silverware in Leipzig.
Benítez reflects on Palace bond
Benítez told the matchday programme that the Larnaca atmosphere tested his composure, but said Palace’s travelling support was “fantastic” and that he stayed ready when a late VAR check briefly threatened to change the tie.
The 33-year-old also spoke warmly about settling in England, saying the people around the club helped him adapt after previous spells with Quilmes, Nice and PSV.
“I’m really proud and happy to have come here and play for Crystal Palace,” Benítez said in an interview published on the official Crystal Palace website.
For Pierre Sage, that experience matters. Palace enter another demanding campaign with Europa League football ahead, and Benítez’s first year has already shown why the club valued a goalkeeper used to knockout tension.
