Nelson Palacio


Nelson Daniel Palacio Ruiz is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Swiss Super League club FC Zürich, on loan from Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake, and the Colombia national team.

Club career

Palacio is a youth product of Atlético Nacional since the age of 6, and worked his way up their youth categories. He began his senior career on loan with Valledupar in the Categoría Primera B from 2020 to 2021. He returned to Atlético Nacional in 2021, eventually helping them win a Copa Colombia, Categoría Primera A and Superliga Colombiana.

International career

Palacio was called up to the Colombia national team for a set of friendlies in March 2023. He made his debut with Colombia as a late substitute in a 2–2 friendly tie with South Korea on 24 March 2023.

Honours

Atlético Nacional