On Sunday, May 10, 2026, Ismaïla Sarr cemented his name in the Crystal Palace record books. With his 36th-minute equalizer during the 2–2 draw against Everton, the Senegalese international officially reached 20 goals across all competitions for the 2025/26 season.
In doing so, Sarr has achieved a feat that has eluded even the most iconic Eagles of the modern era—becoming the first player to hit the 20-goal mark in a single campaign since the legendary Glenn Murray in 2012/13.
1. Surpassing the Greats: A Statistical Anomaly
What makes Sarr’s achievement truly remarkable is the caliber of players who didn't reach this milestone. During Palace's established stay in the Premier League, club legends and generational talents often flirted with the mark but never quite crossed it:
Wilfried Zaha: The club's greatest-ever Premier League player peaked at 15 goals in a single season (2021/22).
Michael Olise & Eberechi Eze: While dazzling fans with creativity, both stars typically finished seasons in the 10–12 goal range.
Andy Johnson: The only other player in Palace's modern history to hit 20+ goals in a top-flight season (21 goals in 2004/05).
2. Season of Evolution: From Winger to Finisher
Sarr’s 2025/26 campaign has been defined by a newfound clinical edge. His versatility across the front three has allowed him to rack up numbers across multiple fronts:
Premier League Prowess: He has already matched his previous best of 8 league goals, but this time it took him only 25 matches compared to 38 last season.
European Impact: His goals were instrumental in Palace’s impressive UEFA Conference League run, where he proved to be a nightmare for continental defenses.
The "Murray" Comparison: While Glenn Murray’s 31 goals in 2012/13 remains the gold standard for a Palace season, Sarr’s 20-goal haul in the top flight and Europe carries immense weight in the club’s history.