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Javier Alonso Delgado excels as Crystal Palace U18s Head Coach

  • The skilled coach joined Crystal Palace from Atlético de Madrid in July 2025, following a headhunt by Football Careers
  • His U18 squad has reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1997, and the U18 Premier League Cup Final for the first time ever
  • The young Eagles currently sit third in their league, with 58 goals scored in 21 games
Javier Alonso Delgado, Crystal Palace
Image: Crystal Palace FC

We’re delighted to have managed the recruitment process for the U18 Head Coach position at Crystal Palace FC.

Before beginning the search, our team consulted with Crystal Palace’s Academy to discuss the ideal candidate profile for the position. It was determined that the club wanted an individual with an outstanding track record at the U17 to U19 levels, and a strong style of play aligned with modern elite youth football.

After an intensive headhunting campaign, we identified Javier Alonso Delgado as an excellent candidate for the role, and he was appointed in July 2025.

Prior to joining Palace, Javier was U17s Head Coach and Head of Youth Players’ Department of Individual Development at Atlético de Madrid. He joined Atlético in 2017, initially working with the U12s, and eventually coaching across multiple age groups.

During his time with Atlético, Javier led the U15s to a league title and helped them win several youth tournaments. While in charge of Atlético de Madrid Juvenil B — the club’s U17 squad — Javier set new club records for league points (85) and goals scored (106) at that level.

Now, Javier is implementing his brand of high-intensity, attack-minded football at Crystal Palace.

His squad opened the 2025/26 U18 Premier League South season with a resounding 8-0 win against Birmingham City, and sits third in the league table as of 8th April 2026.

Javier’s U18s have also seen unprecedented cup success, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1997 and the final of the U18 Premier League Cup for the first time in Palace’s history.

Commenting on the recruitment process, Javier said:

“Football Careers were always there to assist me with everything throughout the process. They advised me on how to make my interview presentation as strong as possible, and they were a great help in getting me the job. I only have good things to say about their team and the company.”

Ben Stevens, Assistant Sporting Director at Crystal Palace FC, commented:

“Working with Football Careers on the recruitment of our U18 Head Coach was an excellent experience. The thorough headhunting process brought a number of high-calibre candidates, leading to the appointment of Javier Alonso Delgado from Atlético Madrid. Their understanding of the football landscape, attention to detail, and ability to manage a professional and discreet search made the process smooth and efficient. We’re very pleased with the outcome and the level of support that Football Careers provided throughout.”

We’re pleased to see Javier and Crystal Palace’s U18s excelling together, and we look forward to watching their progress over the coming seasons.

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