Nelson Daniel Palacio Ruiz

Nelson Daniel Palacio Ruiz is a Colombian central midfielder born in Apartadó on 16 June 2001. He joined Atlético Nacional’s academy at six and developed there before spending the 2020–21 season on loan with Valledupar FC in Colombia’s second tier. Returning to Nacional in 2021, Palacio helped the club win the 2021 Copa Colombia, the 2022 Apertura title and the 2023 Superliga Colombiana. He also made seven Copa Libertadores appearances during his time in South America. In June 2023, Real Salt Lake signed Palacio through MLS’s U-22 Initiative, and he later made 58 appearances for the club across all competitions. Palacio earned his Colombia debut on 24 March 2023, entering as a substitute in a 2–2 draw with South Korea. As a ground-covering midfielder, Nelson Palacio combines ball-winning, defensive coverage and deep distribution, while continuing to develop his vertical passing.