When Luis Palma stepped onto the pitch for Lech Poznań in the summer of 2025, it wasn’t just another loan move. For the 25-year-old Honduran, it marked a bold new chapter in a career already full of twists and determination.

Born on January 17, 2000, in the coastal city of La Ceiba, Palma’s journey began far from the bright lights of Europe. As a boy, he helped his father sell fruit in local markets — a humble start that quickly gave way to a fierce ambition: “I dreamed of becoming a footballer. I told my mum: someday I will play in the Champions League,” he told The Sun.

A Long Road from Honduras to Europe

His professional debut came with CDS Vida in Honduras in 2017, where he caught attention not only for his quick feet on the wing but for that spark of creativity that would mark his career. After a brief spell in the United States with Real Monarchs, Palma made the leap to Europe in January 2022 with six-time Greek champions Aris Thessaloniki — a move that allowed him to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

At Aris, he flourished: in one standout season he racked up 13 goals and eight assists, turning heads and attracting interest from abroad. In August 2023, Palma made the jump to Scottish giants Celtic FC on a five-year deal worth around £3.4 million.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. While at Celtic, he reached his dream of scoring in the UEFA Champions League — netting a memorable goal against Atlético Madrid in a 2-2 draw — he also faced the challenge of limited playing time. He admitted he had to look himself in the mirror and push harder: “I have an obligation to play better than just ‘good’… I will never give up trying to fulfil my dreams,” he said again to The Sun.

A New Beginning in Poland

In February 2025, Palma moved on loan to Olympiacos in Greece, where he landed his fourth major European title as the club claimed the league crown. Yet despite the silverware, the Greek giants chose not to trigger the option to buy, leaving Palma to look for his next challenge.

That challenge arrived in Poland. In July 2025, he joined Lech Poznań on a season-long loan with an option to buy. As the first Honduran ever to play for Lech, the move symbolised a fresh opportunity — for more game time, for growth, and for realising potential.

Since arriving in Poland, Palma has hit the ground running. He scored his first goal for Lech in August 2025 — a superb header that rescued a point in stoppage time, announcing himself to Ekstraklasa fans. He’s since continued to impress, showing why Lech believe he could be a key piece in both domestic and European competitions.

Off the field, Palma carries the pride of his homeland. Despite the rapid rise and big moves, his feet remain planted on the ground. Recently, he took part in national team duty with Honduras and said of the pressure: “I feel proud, happy, and ready to work.”

As he settles into life in Poznań — adapting to a new culture, language, and league — Palma’s story remains one of ambition, resilience and purpose. From selling fruit in La Ceiba to scoring in European competition, his next chapter in Poland is one worth watching.

📹 Interview conducted by Daniel Sobis, exclusively for beIN SPORTS USA
🎥 Camera: Ania Hess