Charlotte FC's new star brings global recognition
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Wilfried Zaha will wear No. 10 for Charlotte FC and will be used as a left winger. Photo: Taylor Banner/Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC has signed former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha.
Why it matters: Bringing Zaha to Charlotte puts the club in an international spotlight and will help continue to put butts in seats at Bank of America Stadium.
- Charlotte FC has had one of the best attendance records in the league since its inaugural season in 2022.
State of play: Zaha, who was born in the Ivory Coast and grew up in England, is on loan with Charlotte FC from Turkish team Galatasaray until Jan. 17, 2026, with a six-month option, which would keep him here until June 30, 2026.
- He is a designated player (meaning standard MLS salary cap rules don't apply here) and he occupies one of Charlotte FC's international roster spots.
- Zaha recently told local reporters he's open to staying in Charlotte longer.
Zoom in: The deal to get Zaha here took three months to get done.
- "Until he landed, I wasn't sure we were going to pull it off," Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta told reporters.
Context: If you've followed soccer in England over the last decade, you're probably familiar with Zaha's time with Crystal Palace. If Crystal Palace doesn't ring a bell, their stadium might. Selhurst Park was the home of AFC Richmond in the wildly popular Apple TV+ series "Ted Lasso." It was called Nelson Road in the show.
- Zaha spent most of his career in England, primarily with Palace, along with a brief and failed stint with global giant Manchester United. He scored 90 goals for Palace in 458 matches.
- Most recently, he was on loan from Galatasaray to French team Lyon.
- He's also been involved with the English national team and later Ivory Coast's national team.
Between the lines: Zaha is the most well-known name Charlotte has brought in thus far, something they've been waiting to do until they laid a proper foundation.
- "It's difficult to bring major players here when certain things aren't ready for them," Krneta says, referring to coaching and facilities.
- After two failed head coaches, Charlotte FC hired Englishman Dean Smith, who took them to the playoffs in his first season. It had been more than eight years since Charlotte hosted a major league playoff game. Zaha said his conversations with Smith made a difference.
- Charlotte FC established its headquarters and practice facility in east Charlotte in August 2023 after a nomadic start.
The bottom line: With Zaha's addition, expectations are high for Charlotte FC this season. If you ask Krneta, it's no longer about just making the playoffs — that's the expectation.
- "We are ready now to go for trophies," Krneta says.