Wilfried Zaha’s move to Charlotte FC brings fresh star power to the MLS. The Ivorian winger, 32, arrives on loan from Galatasaray, where he scored ten goals and lifted a Turkish title but found himself drifting after a brief spell at Lyon in France. He’ll wear Charlotte’s colors through January 2026, with an option to stay until June 2026 and occupy a coveted Designated Player slot.
Zoran Krneta, Charlotte FC’s general manager, spoke in glowing terms. “Wilfried is a world-class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator. His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfried can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer. He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games. We are delighted to add a player of Wilfried’s pedigree and experience to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte.”
A new chapter in Charlotte
Zaha brings a decade of experience in England’s top flight, particularly at Crystal Palace, where he amassed 90 goals in 458 appearances. He’s no stranger to the big stage, having also represented Ivory Coast at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Alongside fellow Designated Players like Liel Abada and Karol Swiderski, he’s expected to supercharge an attack that struggled last season, finishing with just 46 goals.
His journey has been a winding one. He made headlines at Manchester United, shone at Crystal Palace, and then sought adventure with Galatasaray. Financial talk followed him, including reports of a weekly wage offer of around $250,000 from Palace before he chose to earn closer to $125,000 at Galatasaray. Now he’s traded Europe’s spotlights for an ambitious MLS side that reached the playoffs only to fall in a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
Head coach Dean Smith will have a fresh and formidable piece to integrate when the new season kicks off against Seattle next month. Expectations are high, but Zaha sounds ready to deliver. The test for Charlotte lies in channeling his experience, pace, and goal-scoring instinct into a collective push for playoff success. It’s a short-term deal on paper, but fans hope it’ll leave a lasting mark on the Queen City’s soccer scene.
