Meet the Academy stars heading to Como

Academy

28 Jul 2026

Crystal Palace’s pre-season tour of Como gives supporters around the world the opportunity to see the first team in action as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign, while also offering a closer look at a host of our future stars.

Selected by Pierre Sage for the journey to Italy, Lucca Benetton, Mofe Jemide, Charlie Walker-Smith, George King, Dean Benamar and Joel Drakes-Thomas will experience first-team surroundings as Palace compete in this year’s Como Cup.

The Young Eagles will be in contention for selection as Palace take on RC Lens and FC Famalicão in the group stage, before concluding the tournament with a further fixture later in the week – find out more by clicking HERE.

Supporters can follow the Academy contingent throughout the tournament, with every Como Cup fixture streamed live on Palace TV+. Fans in Italy will also have the chance to watch the six youngsters train alongside the first-team squad during an open training session at FC Chiasso on Thursday, 30th July.

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Below is everything you need to know about the Academy players making the trip!

Lucca Benetton

Born: 08/08/2010

An agile and commanding ‘keeper, Lucca Benetton has established himself as one of the country’s most highly-rated young shot-stoppers.

Signed from London Elite and Elite Academy without requiring a trial, the England Under-16 and Under-17 international quickly began playing above his age group. One of his earliest Academy highlights came as an Under-14, saving a penalty on his Floodlit Cup debut against Reading’s Under-15s.

Benetton became Palace’s first-choice Under-18 ‘keeper during the second half of the 25/26 campaign, making 15 appearances across all competitions, including starts in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final, semi-final and U18 Premier League Cup Final.

His breakthrough season ended in unforgettable fashion as he produced the decisive save in the Premier League Cup Final shootout victory over Manchester United, securing the Academy’s first-ever triumph in the competition.

George King

Born: 20/03/2007

Lifelong Palace supporter George King has progressed rapidly through the Academy since joining at Under-12 level, regularly playing above his age group.

A composed and versatile defender, King excels with the ball at his feet, regularly switching play with accurate long-range diagonals and incisive passes in behind. Comfortable stepping into midfield and driving his side forward, his distribution is a key part of Palace U21s' build-up play.

A member of the U15 side that reached the National Floodlit Cup final in 21/22, King earned his scholarship ahead of the 23/24 campaign and quickly established himself at U18 level, making 31 appearances while contributing six goals and two assists.

He stepped up to the U21s the following season before cementing his place under Darren Powell in 25/26. Featuring in every match he was available for, King registered three goals and four assists on his way to being named U21 Player of the Season.

His performances earned him a senior debut against KuPS Kuopio in the UEFA Conference League over the festive period, and he has since featured in the first team's pre-season fixtures against Swindon Town and Bromley.

Charlie Walker-Smith

Born: 19/09/2007

An adventurous, ball-playing centre-back, Charlie Walker-Smith is at his best driving out from the back, confidently carrying the ball through the lines and into midfield to beat the press.

Comfortable under pressure with an impressive passing range, he combines his ability in possession with a commanding aerial presence and a dangerous long throw, offering a threat at both ends of the pitch.

Having joined Palace at U15 level, Walker-Smith was part of the side that lifted the U15 National Floodlit Cup in 22/23 before making his U18 debut the following season. Despite being born in London, he has represented Wales at U16, U17 and Under-19 level.

After signing his scholarship in July 2024, Walker-Smith quickly established himself within the U18 setup, scoring his first U18 goal against Liverpool in the Premier League Cup. His impressive start to the season was rewarded just three months later when he signed his first professional contract with the club in October 2024.

The 25/26 campaign saw him become an important figure across both the U18s and U21s, contributing six goals and three assists from defence.

His aerial ability and long throw proved valuable attacking weapons, with Walker-Smith scoring in the U21s’ 5-1 Premier League 2 victory over Liverpool before adding a brace against Southampton in a 3-1 U18 Premier League South win – all three goals coming from well-worked corner routines.

Walker-Smith has continued his progress by featuring in the first team's recent pre-season friendlies against Swindon Town and Bromley.

Mofe Jemide

Born: 08/11/2006

A commanding, modern-day centre-back, Mofe Jemide pairs physical presence with composure in possession and the ability to play out from the back under pressure.

A member of the U15 side that reached the National Floodlit Cup final in 21/22, Jemide continued his development through the Academy before becoming an important figure for the U18s. He made 25 appearances during the 22/23 campaign, while also earning recognition at international level with England U17s.

Jemide signed his scholarship ahead of the 23/24 season before putting pen to paper on his first professional contract later that campaign. He continued his development by stepping up to the U21s, helping Palace lift the Premier League International Cup at Selhurst Park with a clean-sheet display in the final against Jong PSV.

After travelling on the first-team pre-season tour of the United States ahead of 24/25, Jemide made 18 U21 appearances during the campaign, with an injury in December interrupting his momentum. He was also included in the first match of the double-header against Mainz 05 during the first-team’s pre-season tour of Austria last summer.

Jemide established himself as a regular for Powell’s side in 25/26, making 20 appearances and earning further recognition with England U19s. He also featured in the recent first-team friendlies against Swindon Town and Bromley before joining the squad in Como.

Dean Benamar

Born: 31/05/2008

An energetic, left-footed wing-back, Dean Benamar brings defensive aggression and relentless attacking intent, using his pace and quality delivery to provide a constant threat from the flank.

Having joined Palace at U14 level, Benamar progressed rapidly through the Academy ranks and was part of the U15 side that lifted the National Floodlit Cup in 22/23.

He earned his scholarship ahead of 24/25 and quickly established himself in the U18s, making 20 appearances, registering a goal and four assists, while also earning recognition with England U17s. He later made his U21s debut against Chelsea before signing his first professional contract last summer.

The 25/26 season saw Benamar become an influential figure across both the U18 and U21 age groups, combining his attacking output with impressive consistency.

He contributed two goals and three assists in 20 appearances, while playing a crucial role in Palace’s historic FA Youth Cup run and first-ever U18 Premier League Cup triumph, scoring the decisive penalty in the final shootout against Manchester United.

His progress was rewarded with a senior debut in the Conference League against KuPS Kuopio, before earning further first-team involvement during recent pre-season games against Swindon and Bromley.

Internationally, Benamar continued his development with England U18s, scoring in victories over Croatia, Greece and Cyprus during the 26/27 UEFA European U19 Championship qualifying cycle to finish with three goals in as many appearances for the Young Lions.

Joél Drakes-Thomas

Born: 09/06/2009

A versatile, attack-minded winger, Joél Drakes-Thomas is a direct and fearless player capable of beating defenders, creating chances and making an impact in the final third.

Having joined Palace at the age of six, Drakes-Thomas has progressed through the Academy ranks while regularly playing above his age group.

He made his U18 debut against Chelsea in December 2024 at just 15 years old, before a series of impressive performances – including a hat-trick of assists in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa – earned him a scholarship ahead of the 25/26 season.

His breakthrough campaign saw him establish himself as one of the Academy’s standout performers, featuring 22 times across the U18s and U21s while contributing two goals and two assists. He played a key role in Palace reaching the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and lifting the U18 Premier League Cup, converting his penalty in the final shootout victory over Manchester United.

Drakes-Thomas made history at first-team level last season, making his senior debut in the UEFA Conference League against KuPS Kuopio, where he was named Player of the Match.

Days later, he became Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League player after stepping off the bench against Leeds United aged 16 years and 194 days. He went on to make four first-team appearances during the campaign.

Having signed his first professional contract over the summer, Drakes-Thomas has continued his integration with the senior squad, featuring in recent pre-season friendlies against Swindon Town and Bromley before joining the group for the trip to Como.

Match Details

Crystal Palace v RC Lens

Tuesday, 28th July
18:00 BST
Match length: 45 minutes
Live on Palace TV+
Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium

Crystal Palace v FC Famalicão

Tuesday, 28th July
19:30 BST
Match length: 45 minutes
Live on Palace TV+
Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium

Final game

Opposition: TBC
Either Fri, 31st Jul (17:00 or 19:45) or Sat, 1st Aug (19:00):
Match length: 90 minutes

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