At 13, Eberechi Eze was released by Arsenal’s academy. Over the next few years, other clubs let him go too. In 2025, he scored the goal that won Crystal Palace the FA Cup, and Arsenal paid £67.5 million to bring him back.
Greenwich
Eze was born on 29 June 1998 in Greenwich, south-east London. His parents are Igbo Nigerians from Mbaise in Imo State. He began playing football as a young child in local teams around Plumstead.
Rejection
Eze joined Arsenal’s academy but was released at 13. He then spent time with Fulham and Reading, and was released again. Some coaches doubted him, and there were moments when he feared his football career was over.
QPR
In August 2016, Eze signed for Queens Park Rangers. He developed into one of the most exciting creative players in the Championship, known for his dribbling, balance and ability to score from distance.
Crystal Palace
In 2020, Crystal Palace signed him. He established himself in the Premier League, overcoming a serious injury, and became the club’s creative leader.
The FA Cup
In 2025, Palace reached the FA Cup final. Eze scored in the third round, the quarter-final and the semi-final, and then scored the only goal of the final. It gave Crystal Palace the first major trophy in the club’s history.
Back to Arsenal
After winning the Community Shield with Palace, Eze returned to Arsenal, his boyhood club, in August 2025, for a fee of £67.5 million. In his first season back, Arsenal won the Premier League.
His style
Eze is known for close control, quick turns and skill in tight spaces, along with powerful long-range shooting. He can play wide or behind the striker, and he often decides games on his own.
England
Eze was eligible for Nigeria but chose England. He made his senior debut in 2023 and was part of the squads at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
Faith and family
Eze has spoken about his Christian faith and his family’s support during the years of rejection.
Palace’s gratitude
Crystal Palace supporters gave him an emotional farewell. The club’s record sale also funded its next steps, a fitting end to a relationship that brought Palace its greatest day.
The boy they let go
Football is full of stories of players released by big clubs. Few come back to the same club as a record signing, carrying an FA Cup winner’s medal. Eze’s route home took fourteen years.
