Maxence Lacroix turned 26 in what could be a massive year for the Frenchman. Having already guided Palace to the Conference League quarter-finals, Lacroix could yet be involved in the France squad at the World Cup this summer. He made his debut for Les Bleus against Brazil and was earned his first start in the 3-1 win over Colombia, where he faced Palace colleagues Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma. Lacroix has been an ever-present in the Palace squad since he joined from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2024. He played a key role in both the historic FA Cup triumph and the Community Shield win in August. Here’s hoping that Lacroix can celebrate his 26th birthday with victory over Fiorentina on Thursday.