Donte Martin
A pacy forward who can get in behind defences and find the back of the net.
77DonteMartin
Mid
Date of Birth
13.11.0813 November 2008
Country
GBEnglandJoined Team
17.02.2617 February 2026
Martin began his football journey later than most, taking up the game at the age of 10. After three years with Carshalton Athletic and a season at Croygas, he moved to Sutton United, where he caught Palace’s attention by scoring twice in a friendly against the club.
He joined the Academy at Under-15 level in 2023/24 from the Category Three side and made an immediate impact, scoring more than 30 goals in his first campaign.
The following season, Martin captained the Under-16s and maintained his excellent form with 27 goals, earning a step up to the Under-18s. He made his debut from the bench against Norwich City at the start of 2025, scored in his next appearance away at Aston Villa and struck again against West Ham United, finishing the campaign with six appearances and two goals.
Alongside his involvement with the U18s, Martin also trained with Darren Powell’s Under-21s on occasion, giving him an early taste of senior Academy football.
The 2025/26 campaign marked another significant step forward. Martin signed his first professional contract in November and became a near ever-present for Javier Alonso’s Under-18s despite it being his first full season at that level.
He featured in 36 of the 39 matches across all competitions, producing an impressive return of 15 goals and four assists. His form was particularly strong towards the end of the campaign, with nine goals coming in his final 13 appearances.
His performances earned multiple Goal of the Month nominations, including for a spectacular volley in the Premier League Cup quarter-final against Peterborough United. The strike was later shortlisted for Goal of the Season, while Martin also came off the bench to score a quickfire brace and turn the tie in Palace’s favour as the Young Eagles progressed towards the Club’s first-ever triumph in the competition.
He also made the Under-21s matchday squad on several occasions, further showcasing his rapid progression through the Academy pathway.
Martin has picked up where he left off in 2026/27, leading the line in every U18 fixture so far and scoring three times. He has also stepped up to the U21s, opening his account at that level with the only Palace goal in the EFL Trophy defeat to Plymouth Argyle.