Dean Benamar
Dean Benamar is an energetic, left-footed full-back who combines defensive aggression with relentless attacking intent down the flank.
72DeanBenamar
out on loan
Def
Defender
Date of Birth
31.05.0831 May 2008
Country
Joined Team
31.07.2531 July 2025
Having joined Palace at Under-14 level, Benamar progressed steadily through the Academy ranks and was part of Joe Antonelli’s Under-15s side that lifted the U15 National Floodlit Cup in 2022/23, defeating Stoke City in the national final after also overcoming Arsenal in the regional showpiece.
He signed his scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and quickly made an impression at Under-18 level.
Benamar debuted against Birmingham City in August 2024, registering an assist and helping secure a clean sheet, before netting his first goal against Leicester City later that autumn.
By the end of his first season as a scholar, he had made 20 Under-18 appearances, contributing a goal and four assists, while also earning his first England Under-17s call-up.
Benamar made his Young Lions debut against the Netherlands in February 2025 and announced himself in style just days later, scoring directly from a corner on his first start in a 4-0 victory.
He went on to help England qualify for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals, before playing every minute of all three group-stage fixtures at the tournament that summer.
His performances also earned him a first Under-21 appearance for Palace against Chelsea in April 2025, before signing his maiden professional contract later that July.
The 2025/26 season saw Benamar take another major step forward. Operating between both the Under-18s and Under-21s, the high-energy wing-back became known for his relentless running, direct attacking play and ability to drive his side up the pitch from deep areas.
Despite injury interruptions during the campaign, he remained an influential figure across both age groups.
He returned strongly to feature prominently in Premier League International Cup victories over Juventus and FC Nordsjaelland, while also starring in the 3-0 FA Youth Cup win over Bradford City under the Selhurst Park lights.
His attacking quality continued to shine through too. In a 5-1 win over Liverpool, Benamar capped a flowing team move with a composed half-volley beyond the onrushing ‘keeper, while his delivery and energy from wide areas helped him register two goals and three assists across 20 appearances split evenly between the U18s and U21s.
The defender also took his first steps into senior football during the campaign, making his debut in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League against Finnish champions KuPS Kuopio after being named in Oliver Glasner’s starting XI – playing 60 minutes on the night.
He later earned his first Premier League matchday squad inclusion against Tottenham Hotspur at the turn of the year.
Benamar played the full 120 minutes in the FA Youth Cup semi-final and was instrumental in Palace lifting the Under-18 Premier League Cup for the first time in the club’s history. Fittingly, after a dramatic penalty shootout against Manchester United, it was Benamar who stepped up to dispatch the decisive spot-kick into the top corner and seal the trophy.
Internationally, his progression continued with England U18s. He scored in a 2-0 win over Croatia during the March international window, helping the Young Lions progress in the 2026/27 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying cycle.
He maintained his strong form into the end of the season, scoring in consecutive matches against Greece and Cyprus in late May and early June to make it three goals in as many appearances for England U18s, rounding off an impressive 2025/26 campaign.
Benamar highlights
View All Videos- 02:42
Goal of the Month contenders: March 2026
- 02:14
Dean Benamar Previews Stevenage in the FA Youth Cup
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King, Benamar, Rodney on starting
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Dean Benamar interview after signing professional contract
- 02:17
Goal of the Month contenders: October 2024
- 05:06
U18 Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester City
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The Full 90: Crystal Palace U18s v Leicester City U18s | Palace TV+
- 03:21
Palace Academy welcomes 13 new scholars