Wilfried Zaha, Charlotte FC part ways with loan expiring

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th May, 20:16 2026

May 23, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (10) and Charlotte FC forward Wilfried Zaha (10) fight for the ball in the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Standout forward Wilfried Zaha has played his final match for Charlotte FC, the player and team confirmed Sunday.

Zaha's loan expires June 30 and the World Cup pause leaves Charlotte's next match on July 22 against Atlanta United.

"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 wrote on Instagram.

"There's been many highs and many lows, but it's about the journey in the end, and I loved every minute. ... I'm going to miss you all dearly, but keep our relationships in my heart forever!!"

Zaha, 33, had three goals and four assists in 13 matches this season. Last season, his first with the club, he had 10 goals and 10 assists to help Charlotte reach the playoffs.

"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."

Zaha was on loan from Turkish side Galatasaray.

Zaha didn't make the Ivory Coast team for the upcoming World Cup. He has five goals in 36 career matches for the Ivory Coast national team.

--Field Level Media

Latest