The Rise of Wilfried Zaha From Humble Beginnings to Football Superstar

Wilfried Zaha is a name that has become synonymous with speed, skill and precision in the world of football. Born and raised in Ivory Coast, Zaha moved to England at a young age and started his football journey in the streets of London. With sheer determination and hard work, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and career of Wilfried Zaha, from his early beginnings to his current status as a football superstar.

Who is Wilfried Zaha?

Wilfried Zaha is a professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. He was born on November 10, 1992, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Zaha’s family moved to England when he was just four years old, settling in Thornton Heath, South London.

Growing up, Zaha showed a natural talent for football and would often play in the streets with his older brothers. He attended Whitehorse Manor Junior School and then Selsdon High School, both located in Croydon, where he continued to hone his skills on the pitch.

Early Life and Career of Wilfried Zaha

At the age of eight, Zaha joined the local club Selhurst United and quickly caught the attention of scouts from Crystal Palace. He joined their youth academy in 2004 and progressed through the ranks before making his senior debut in March 2010.

Zaha’s performances for Palace caught the eye of many top clubs, including Manchester United. However, he decided to stay at Palace and signed a professional contract with the club in 2011. He went on to make 143 appearances for them, scoring 18 goals and providing 30 assists.

Wilfried Zaha’s Professional Football Career

In January 2013, Zaha signed for Manchester United in a deal worth £10 million. However, he was loaned back to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season. He made his debut for United in August 2013 but struggled to make an impact and was eventually loaned out to Cardiff City.

After a disappointing spell at Manchester United, Zaha returned to Crystal Palace on a permanent basis in February 2015. He quickly regained his form and helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League. In the 2018-19 season, Zaha scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists, helping Palace finish 12th in the league.

Achievements and Awards of Wilfried Zaha

Zaha’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed in the football world. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award in 2017 and 2019. He was also named the Premier League Player of the Month in April 2019.

In addition to individual awards, Zaha has also helped his teams achieve success on the pitch. He played a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s promotion to the Premier League in 2013 and also helped them win the Championship play-offs in 2014.

Wilfried Zaha’s Playing Style and Position

Zaha is known for his blistering pace, quick dribbling skills, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He primarily plays as a winger or attacking midfielder, but can also be deployed as a striker if needed. Zaha’s versatility on the pitch and unpredictability make him a dangerous player for any opposition.

His playing style has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest wingers in the game, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Arjen Robben. Zaha has also been praised for his work ethic, determination, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Position: Winger

As a winger, Zaha is responsible for providing width and attacking options on the flanks. He uses his speed and dribbling skills to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to track back and help in defense also makes him an asset for his team.

Playing Style: Dribbler

Zaha’s greatest strength is his ability to dribble past defenders with ease. He has exceptional close control and can change direction at lightning speed, leaving defenders stranded. This allows him to create space for himself and his teammates, making him a valuable asset in any team.

Transfer History of Wilfried Zaha

As mentioned earlier, Zaha signed for Manchester United in 2013, but after a disappointing spell, he returned to Crystal Palace in 2015. However, his performances have caught the attention of other top clubs, and there have been several transfer rumors surrounding him.

In 2019, Zaha handed in a transfer request at Crystal Palace in hopes of securing a move to Arsenal. However, the transfer did not materialize, and he continued to play for Crystal Palace. With his current contract set to expire in 2023, it remains to be seen if Zaha will make a move to a bigger club in the future.

Controversies Involving Wilfried Zaha

Throughout his career, Zaha has been involved in a few controversial incidents. In 2013, he was criticized for diving during a match against Swansea City, earning him a yellow card. He later admitted that he had dived intentionally, which led to backlash from fans and pundits.

In 2018, Zaha was subjected to racial abuse on social media after a match against Huddersfield Town. He spoke out about the issue and received support from players and fans alike, shining a light on the ongoing problem of racism in football.

Personal Life and Philanthropy of Wilfried Zaha

Off the pitch, Zaha is known for his philanthropic efforts and giving back to his community. In 2017, he launched the Wilfried Zaha Academy, a youth development program that provides opportunities for underprivileged children in Ivory Coast.

He is also an ambassador for the charity organization Street Child United, which uses the power of football to help vulnerable and homeless children around the world. Zaha has also been vocal about mental health and has spoken out about his struggles with depression, encouraging others to seek help.

Impact of Wilfried Zaha on the Football World

Zaha’s talent and impact on the football world cannot be ignored. He has shown that with hard work and determination, one can achieve success despite facing challenges. His style of play has also inspired young players around the world, and he has become a role model for many.

In addition, Zaha’s involvement in philanthropy and speaking out about important issues has made him more than just a footballer but also a positive influence in society.

Future Prospects for Wilfried Zaha

At 28 years old, Zaha still has many years ahead of him on the football pitch. With his current contract at Crystal Palace set to expire in 2023, there is uncertainty surrounding his future. However, with his talent and experience, Zaha will undoubtedly continue to make an impact wherever he goes.

Conclusion

Wilfried Zaha’s journey from the streets of London to becoming a football superstar is a testament to his determination and talent. He has proven himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League and has left a lasting impact on the football world. With many years ahead of him, we can expect to see more of Zaha’s skills and contributions both on and off the pitch.