Wilfried Zaha bids goodbye to Charlotte FC

CHARLOTTE FC

Wilfried Zaha confirmed his exit from Charlotte FC with a social media post on Sunday. He arrived in 2025 on loan from Turkish side Galatasray.

Wilfried Zaha’s time with Charlotte FC is over.

The winger and club announced Sunday he’ll leave the club at the end his loan on June 30. Over a year and a half with the Crown, Zaha played in 46 MLS matches with 27 goal contributions (13 goals), fifth-most in Crown history. Before Charlotte, Zaha was under contract to Turkish side Galatasaray, which loaned him to the Crown. He also played at Crystal Palace in the English Premier League and Lyon in France. 

“The moment has come to say goodbye but I just wanted to thank Charlotte the city for welcoming me and my family with open arms and allowing me to fall in love with the game again,” Zaha posted on social media, “… there’s been many highs and many lows but it's about the journey in the end and i (sic) loved every minute.”

Zaha’s exit means Charlotte FC will have an opening for a designated player and international roster slot for the summer transfer window July 13-Sept. 2. The window’s close is in sync with the world’s top leagues.

“Wilfried has been an important part of Charlotte FC since his arrival on loan last winter and has played a key role in our attack since joining,” Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said in a statement. “Last season, Wilf helped us reach the top four in the Eastern Conference for the first time, and he approached every match with a hunger and desire to perform for our supporters.”

Drama was building regarding conversations on extending Zaha’s time in Charlotte before the season started, but he insisted he’d put in his best effort on the pitch.

“To be honest, I can only speak for myself,” he said in February. “I feel like the way I’m just made up is once I step on a pitch, I give 100% and then anything else that needs to be spoken about regarding the club, or whatever that can be done after. But once I step on a pitch, I give 100% to the team, to my players, where we’re all trying to reach one goal. 

“I’m not the type of person that will be on a pitch and just be disinterested. I’m too passionate about the game. I want to win so much that loyalty to my teammates, that's 100% once we step out on a pitch. Whatever goes on with the club that’s got nothing to do with the guys that I'm working day in, day out with.”

MLS is on a two-month break for the FIFA World Cup. Charlotte FC’s next match is July 22 against Atlanta United.

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