Joel Ward Preached the Gospel to Millions With One Word on His Wrist

Crystal Palace Captain Joel Ward Wore Ephesians 3:20 on His Wrist as He Lifted the FA Cup Trophy

Crystal Palace club captain Joel Ward wore a wristband inscribed with "Eph 3:20" during the 2025 FA Cup Final celebrations at Wembley Stadium, sharing his Christian faith with millions of viewers worldwide.

The verse, Ephesians 3:20, reads: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ward, who grew up on the grounds of a Bible college where his parents served on staff, has described his faith as a cornerstone and anchor in his life.

Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1 to 0 in the historic final on May 17, 2025, with Eberechi Eze scoring the winning goal. After the match, Eze fell to his knees in prayer, made a cross with his fingers, and pointed skyward. He later posted on social media: "God is great," "God's mercy," and "Only God."

Everyone here is here for a reason and we do all have a plan and a purpose in our lives.

Joel Ward said this while addressing teammates in the changing room after the match, referencing Jeremiah 29:11 about God's plan and purpose.

On pitch captain Marc Guehi, who lifted the trophy alongside Ward, posted: "GOD DID! THANK YOU JESUS." Striker Eddie Nketiah posted: "FA Cup champions! What a night, All glory to God!"

Defender Maxence Lacroix, nicknamed the "Pastor of the Team," brings his Bible to training and leads prayer sessions with the squad. After the victory, Lacroix said: "I just want to say thank you to Jesus, because today everyone saw the hand of God."

The squad conducted regular prayer meetings throughout the season. Ward had been at Crystal Palace for 13 years, and the FA Cup win marked his final match with the club, making this moment of public faith even more powerful.

Crystal Palace Players Give Glory to God After Historic FA Cup Victory Over Manchester City

The club itself shared Ward's Bible verse bandage with its millions of social media followers, explaining the meaning behind Ephesians 3:20 to fans around the world. This act by an official Premier League club account openly celebrating a player's Christian faith reached an enormous global audience.

Crystal Palace's first ever major trophy was won by a team united not just by tactics but by faith. The cross symbols on Ward's wristband, alongside the verse reference, represented what he called "cross equals love," a message he has carried throughout his 13 year career at Selhurst Park.

The Crusader's Opinion

When Joel Ward lifted that trophy with Ephesians 3:20 written on his wrist for the whole world to see, he did something bolder than any goal celebration. He preached the Gospel to millions without saying a word. While secular culture tells athletes to keep their faith private, this entire Crystal Palace squad refused. They prayed together, they quoted Scripture in the dressing room, and they gave every ounce of glory to God on the biggest stage in English football. This is what Christendom looks like when men refuse to be ashamed of the name above all names. The world watched and could not look away.

Take Action

• Share the story of Joel Ward's Ephesians 3:20 wristband on your own social media to amplify the Gospel message he sent to millions.
• Support the work of Ballers in God, the Christian football fellowship that connects believing athletes for prayer, Bible study, and accountability.
• Pray for Premier League players who boldly profess their faith, that God would protect them from persecution by the media and sporting authorities.
• Start a conversation with young people in your life about athletes like Joel Ward, Marc Guehi, and Eberechi Eze who put Christ first, and encourage them to do the same.
• Support Christian mission work at www.TheShepherdsShield.org to help defend the faith across the world.