Crystal Palace Academy’s promising young defender, Mofe Jemide, has taken a significant step in his football career by inking his first professional contract with the club.

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The 17-year-old center-back, who has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication, is poised for a bright future within the ranks of Crystal Palace.

Jemide’s remarkable journey through the Academy is a testament to his commitment and ability. Last season, he was a key presence in Rob Quinn’s Under-18s side, participating in an impressive 25 out of a possible 26 matches across various competitions. His contribution on the field did not go unnoticed, earning him this well-deserved professional contract.

Having joined Crystal Palace from Barent at the Under-13 level, Jemide’s progress has been nothing short of outstanding. Coaches at every level have been thoroughly impressed with his skills and maturity on the pitch.

Notably, he consistently played above his age group, even making appearances for the Under-21s during the pre-season tour of Salt Lake City in 2023/24.

Mofe Jemide’s talents were also on display as he was part of the Palace Under-15s side, which secured the runners-up position in the U15 Floodlit Cup National final during the 2021/22 season.

His accomplishments extend to the international stage as well, where he proudly represented England Under-17s at the UEFA European U17 Championship.

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Speaking about this pivotal moment in his career, Jemide shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m really excited, even just saying that [I’m a professional footballer] gives me a bit of a buzz. It’s something that you dream about when you’re a kid, and to finally be able to call myself a professional footballer makes me really happy.”

Academy Director Gary Issott emphasized Jemide’s potential and the hard work he’s put into his development, stating, “Mofe is a young player with a lot of potential.

Since he joined the club he has worked tirelessly both on and off the pitch to improve and develop his game and earn his first professional contract.

He did exceptionally well in his first season with the U18s, playing above his own age group last season to earn a scholarship in the summer and also represent England at the U17 Euros.

Now that he has his first professional contract, I believe he will continue working hard at his game as a center half to progress through the club.”

Mofe Jemide’s journey as a professional footballer has just begun, and his future looks exceptionally promising. The signing of his professional contract marks an important milestone in his career, and he is set to make a valuable contribution to Crystal Palace.