The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Soccer›Wilfried Zaha
Sports • Soccer

Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha is a professional footballer who was born in Ivory Coast and grew up in England.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wilfried Zaha is a professional footballer born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and raised in England. Primarily a winger or forward, he came through Crystal Palace's academy and later played for Manchester United, Galatasaray, and several other clubs. He has represented both England and Ivory Coast at senior international level.

Early life and youth career

Zaha was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and moved to England as a child. He joined Crystal Palace's academy and progressed into the first team as a teenager, making his senior debut in 2010.

Club career

Zaha became a first-team regular at Crystal Palace and played a key role in the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2013. He signed for Manchester United in 2013 but later returned to Crystal Palace on loan and then permanently. Over nine further seasons at Palace, he became the club's highest Premier League goalscorer. He later joined Galatasaray and had loan spells at Lyon and Charlotte FC.

International career

Zaha made two senior appearances for England before switching international allegiance to Ivory Coast in 2017. He has since been part of the Ivory Coast national team setup.

Playing style and legacy

Zaha is known for his pace, dribbling, and direct attacking play. He is widely associated with Crystal Palace, where he spent most of his club career and set several scoring records.

Key facts

  • Zaha came through Crystal Palace's youth academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2010.
  • He played a key role in Crystal Palace's promotion to the Premier League in 2013.
  • He became Crystal Palace's highest Premier League goalscorer over nine further seasons at the club.
  • He switched international allegiance from England to Ivory Coast in 2017.
  • He later played for Galatasaray and had loan spells at Lyon and Charlotte FC.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Wilfried Zaha?
Wilfried Zaha is an Ivorian-born professional footballer who has played primarily as a winger for clubs including Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Galatasaray, Lyon, and Charlotte FC.
Where was Wilfried Zaha born?
He was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Which national teams has Wilfried Zaha represented?
He played twice for England at senior level and later represented Ivory Coast.
What club is Wilfried Zaha most associated with?
He is most closely associated with Crystal Palace, where he spent most of his career and became the club's top Premier League scorer.
What position does Wilfried Zaha play?
He is primarily a winger and can also play as a forward.
Has Wilfried Zaha played in Major League Soccer?
Yes. He joined Charlotte FC on loan from Galatasaray in 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfried_Zaha
    Supports: Early career, Crystal Palace debut, club scoring record, and major club history.
  2. Charlotte FC — https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/players/wilfried-zaha/
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, position, international caps, and loan to Charlotte FC.
  3. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/20295005
    Supports: Background, move to Manchester United, and early life in England.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/wilfried-zaha/profil/spieler/145988
    Supports: Career overview, position, citizenship, and club history.