Makai Bernard-Ferguson

An electric and fearless winger, Makai Bernard-Ferguson has been part of the Crystal Palace Academy since the age of seven and is regarded as one of the most exciting attacking prospects within the pathway.

Hailing from Mitcham, Bernard-Ferguson began his football journey with Lambeth Tigers, inspired by his older sister, Chelsea Ferguson, who previously represented Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Lewes.

Football pedigree also runs through the family, with former Palace favourite Jason Puncheon a close relative – cousin – and influential figure in his development.

Known for his blistering pace, sharp dribbling and eye for goal, Bernard-Ferguson thrives in one-on-one situations and is at his most dangerous when driving directly at defenders in the final third.

A bright start to the 2024/25 season with the Under-16s was interrupted by injury, but he returned towards the latter stages of the campaign and still finished with an impressive 12 goals.

Having signed his scholarship ahead of the 2025/26 season, Bernard-Ferguson wasted little time establishing himself as a key figure in Javier Alonso's Under-18 side. Starting 15 of the opening 16 fixtures, he registered seven goals and three assists as Palace challenged at the top end of the table and competed across multiple competitions.

Throughout the campaign, he demonstrated a knack for producing spectacular moments.

A curling effort away at Sheffield United earned a Goal of the Month nomination, while he also scored a brilliant solo goal just seconds into the second half against Southampton after driving at the defence and finishing clinically.

His ability to deliver in big moments was further highlighted in the 8-0 victory over Ipswich Town, where he thundered a half-volley into the top corner after a long throw had been flicked into his path. He followed that up in the Premier League Cup against Chelsea, cutting inside onto his favoured left foot before bending a superb strike into the far corner.

Another standout contribution came in the top-of-the-table clash with Southampton before Christmas, where he latched onto a through ball from Joel Drakes-Thomas and curled an excellent finish into the top corner to restore Palace's lead.

His performances throughout the first half of the season were recognised in March 2026 when he signed his first professional contract with the club, marking another significant milestone in a journey that has already seen him progress rapidly through the Academy ranks.