Adler Nascimento has begun the 2026/27 season in outstanding form, giving Crystal Palace’s Under-21s another attacking threat after a difficult period affected by injuries. The Portuguese forward has scored five goals and provided two assists in eight appearances, having also found the net in all five of Palace’s pre-season goals.

Nascimento’s early highlights have included a spectacular free-kick against Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup, which earned a nomination for the September Goal of the Month award. He then recorded his first hat-trick for Palace in a 4-1 Premier League Two win away to Leeds United, helping the Young Eagles recover from a challenging opening spell.

The 22-year-old began his development with Peterborough United before moving to Palace in 2021. He had already made his senior debut for Peterborough as a teenager, but joining the Eagles presented a new challenge as he adapted to a different style of football and continued his progression through the Academy.

That progress was interrupted by a series of injuries. A calf problem was followed by a lengthy hamstring absence, while further setbacks limited him to eight appearances in 2024/25 despite signing a contract extension during that campaign. Nascimento has credited the support of his family, who moved down for a period, with helping him through the frustration of being unable to play regularly.

The forward returned to action determined to manage his fitness more carefully. His previous Palace highlights included a long-range strike against Bromley in the EFL Trophy and a goal against Juventus in the International Cup, although another injury restricted his 2025/26 season to 15 appearances, two goals and four assists.

He has also gained valuable exposure to senior football this season, including a non-competitive first-team appearance against Bristol City alongside Academy graduates Chuks Okoli and Amaari Sealey. With Palace’s Under-21s benefiting from a close-knit squad, Nascimento is now focused on staying available, continuing his development and taking the next opportunities that come his way.