Happy 33rd birthday to Wilfried Zaha, one of the most electric wingers English football has seen in years. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, but growing up in Croydon, England, Zaha's journey from a Palace academy kid to international star has been full of twists, drama, and some straight-up magic. Those dribbles, the insane pace, the way he leaves defenders frozen - Zaha has always been something else.
Softfootball reports that he made his senior debut for Crystal Palace at 17, and fans fell in love instantly. The 2013 Championship play-off was majestic He scored in both semis and calmly slotted the winning penalty at Wembley. That season he bagged a spot in the PFA Championship Team of the Year and also won the Football League Young Player of the Year award.
Crystal Palace, despite dropping points in the goalless draw against Brighton, sent a beautiful birthday wish to Zaha in a beautiful reminder of their appreciation for him in a post made via their official X account.