Charlie Walker-Smith

Charlie Walker-Smith is a modern, ball-playing centre-back who is also capable of operating at right-back, combining defensive assurance with an ability to step into midfield and influence build-up play.

Though born in London, Walker-Smith has already represented Wales at Under-16 and Under-17 level, underlining his international pedigree from an early stage. He joined Palace at Under-15 level and was part of Joe Antonelli’s side that lifted the U15 National Floodlit Cup in 2022/23, defeating Stoke City in the final in May 2023.

He made his Under-18 debut in September 2023, coming off the bench against Fulham before earning his first start a week later in the derby against Brighton & Hove Albion.

By the end of the 2023/24 campaign, he had made nine appearances at that level, and that summer he also travelled with Wales Under-17s to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Cyprus, featuring in two group-stage matches.

In July 2024, Walker-Smith signed his scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 season and quickly established himself within the age group. He scored his first Under-18 goal in October 2024 against Liverpool in the Premier League Cup, and shortly afterwards signed his first professional contract with the club.

His progress was briefly halted by injury in December 2024, but he returned in the final game of the season in style, scoring in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. He finished the campaign with 13 appearances, three clean sheets, two goals and one assist.

The 2025/26 season has seen Walker-Smith emerge as a key figure across both the Under-18s and Under-21s, contributing consistently at both ends of the pitch. Operating primarily at centre-back, he has registered six goals and three assists, with much of his attacking threat coming from set-pieces and his long throw, which he delivers to dangerous effect.

He scored in the 5-1 win over Liverpool in the Premier League 2 league phase and added a brace against Southampton in a 3-1 Under-18 Premier League South victory, both from well-worked corner routines.

Beyond his goal contributions, his composure in possession and ability to carry the ball forward have become key features of his game, helping progress play from deep areas.

At international level, Walker-Smith has stepped up to Wales Under-19s this season and is expected to play a key role for Chris Gunter’s side at the UEFA Under-19 European Championships in North Wales this summer.

He has also featured regularly for the Under-21s across both Premier League 2 and the Premier League International Cup, underlining his growing importance within the Academy pathway.

He made his Under-18 debut in September 2023, coming off the bench against Fulham before earning his first start a week later in the derby against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Beyond his goal contributions, his composure in possession and ability to carry the ball forward have become key features of his game, helping progress play from deep areas.

He has also featured regularly for the Under-21s across both Premier League 2 and the Premier League International Cup, underlining his growing importance within the Academy pathway.

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Walker-Smith