Chuks Okoli
A versatile midfielder who has been at the club since the age of seven and won the 2025/26 U18 Player of the Season award.
12ChuksOkoli
out on loan
Def
Defender
Date of Birth
22.02.0822 February 2008
Country
Joined Team
01.05.2601 May 2026
Awards & Honours
U18 Player of the Season
Crystal Palace, 2025/26
After joining at a young age, Okoli has progressed steadily through the ranks, developing both as a player and as a person within the Academy.
He was part of the Under-15 side that won the U15 National Floodlit Cup in 2022/23, memorably scoring a sensational effort from inside his own half against Stoke City.
The combative midfielder earned a scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 season and made his Under-18 debut as a substitute against Arsenal in November 2024.
He made his first start the following month, helping the side to a 4-2 comeback win over Chelsea, before scoring his first goals for the club against West Ham United in January 2025 – including a remarkable 40-yard first-time strike that was nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season.
He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 13 appearances, two goals and one assist.
The 2025/26 season marked a major step forward, with Okoli named Under-18 Player of the Season after a standout campaign at the heart of Javier Alonso’s midfield. A near ever-present, he featured in 33 of 38 matches and played a central role in a historic year for the group, contributing five goals and nine assists in all competitions.
His influence included a 92nd-minute winner against Aston Villa to send Palace into their first FA Youth Cup semi-final in nearly 30 years, as well as a superb long-range strike against West Bromwich Albion.
A natural leader, Okoli captained the side on several key occasions, including the FA Youth Cup semi-final at Old Trafford and the Club’s first-ever Under-18 Premier League Cup triumph at Selhurst Park against Manchester United.
His performances were also recognised at Under-21 level, where he was included in the matchday squad for the Premier League 2 quarter-final against Manchester United.
Upon receiving his Player of the Season award, Alonso described him as “the heartbeat of the side”, highlighting his consistency, leadership and daily standards.
Okoli highlights
View All Videos- 00:00
Chuks Okoli Speaks on Youth Cup Win
- 04:04
Chuks Okoli Previews PL Cup Semi-Final at Tottenham
- 01:44
Goal of the Month contenders: January 2026
- 04:34
U18 Match Highlights | Sheffield United 1-3 Crystal Palace
- 04:59
Goal of the Season Contenders 24/25
- 08:18
U18 Match Highlights West Ham United 0-5 Crystal Palace
- 114:00
The Full 90: West Ham United U18 v Crystal Palace U18 | Palace TV+
- 03:21
Palace Academy welcomes 13 new scholars