Wilfried Zaha Joins Charlotte FC on Loan Through 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wilfried Zaha, the former Crystal Palace star, has joined Major League Soccer‘s Charlotte FC on loan until January 2026, with an option to extend through June 2026. The 32-year-old forward, currently on loan at Lyon from Galatasaray, will fill a Designated Player spot for the North Carolina-based franchise.

Zaha, who has made just six appearances for Lyon this season, will occupy an international roster slot at Charlotte FC. The Designated Player rule allows MLS clubs to sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the league’s salary cap, enabling teams to bring in high-profile talent.

“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,” said Zoran Krneta, Charlotte FC’s general manager. “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.”

Zaha spent the majority of his career at Crystal Palace, making 458 appearances and scoring 90 goals, the third-most in the club’s history. After a brief stint at Manchester United in 2013, he returned to Palace and became a key figure for the Eagles. In 2023, he moved to Galatasaray, where he scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 42 games, helping the Turkish side win the Super Lig title.

Charlotte FC, which debuted in MLS in 2022, reached the Eastern Conference playoffs last season but was eliminated on penalty kicks. The addition of Zaha is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options as they aim for a deeper playoff run in 2025.

Zaha’s loan to Charlotte includes an option to extend his stay through June 2026, giving the club flexibility to retain the Ivorian international if he performs well in MLS.