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 before adding a brace against Southampton in a 3-1 Under-18 Premier League South victory, both from well-worked corner routines.

His composure in possession and ability to carry the ball forward have also become key features of his game, helping Palace progress play from deep.

Over the summer of 2026, Walker-Smith spent much of pre-season training and playing with the first team, featuring in friendlies against Swindon Town and Bromley before being selected by new manager Pierre Sage to travel to the Como Cup in northern Italy.

An injury-disrupted start to 2026/27 has limited him to just a couple of appearances for Powell’s Under-21s, but he is now back on the grass and building up his fitness ahead of a return to action.

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.

His composure in possession and ability to carry the ball forward have also become key features of his game, helping Palace progress play from deep.

An injury-disrupted start to 2026/27 has limited him to just a couple of appearances for Powell’s Under-21s, but he is now back on the grass and building up his fitness ahead of a return to action.

5Charlie
Walker-Smith