Eberechi Eze
{{Short description|English footballer (born 1998)}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Eberechi Eze
| image = Qpr2018eberechieeze001.jpg
| caption = Eze warming up for Queens Park Rangers in 2018
| full_name = Eberechi Oluchi Eze
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|6|29|df=y}}
| birth_place = Greenwich, Greater London, England
| height = {{convert|1.78|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/21584/Eberechi-Eze/overview |title=Eberechi Eze: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=12 September 2024}}
| position = Attacking midfielder, left winger
| currentclub = Crystal Palace
| clubnumber = 10
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}
| youthclubs1 = Arsenal
| youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}
| youthclubs2 = Fulham
| youthyears3 = {{0|0000}}
| youthclubs3 = Reading
| youthyears4 = {{0|0000}}–2016
| youthclubs4 = Millwall
| years1 = 2016–2020
| clubs1 = Queens Park Rangers
| caps1 = 104
| goals1 = 20
| years2 = 2017–2018
| clubs2 = → Wycombe Wanderers (loan)
| caps2 = 20
| goals2 = 5
| years3 = 2020–
| clubs3 = Crystal Palace
| caps3 = 146
| goals3 = 34
| nationalyears1 = 2018–2019
| nationalteam1 = England U20
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2019–2021
| nationalteam2 = England U21
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2023–
| nationalteam3 = England
| nationalcaps3 = 11
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| club-update = 18:02, 25 May 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 22:53, 24 March 2025 (UTC)
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|ENG}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Championship}}
}}
Eberechi Oluchi Eze ({{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|b|ɛər|ə|ˌ|tʃ|i|nbsp|ˈ|ɛ|z|ə}} {{respell|ə|BAIR|ə|tchee|_|EZ|ə}};{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt21TwyJqAk |title=Why Eze WONT be stopped by injuries and rejections |publisher=Rising Ballers |date=4 February 2022 |accessdate=14 May 2022 |time=0:20 |via=YouTube}}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.facebook.com/officialcpfc/videos/-how-to-pronounce-eberechi-eze/2764133633822793/ |title=How to pronounce Eberechi Eze |publisher=Crystal Palace F.C. |date=28 August 2020 |accessdate=14 May 2022 |time=0:00 |via=Facebook}} born 29 June 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the England national team.
A product of numerous English academies, Eze began his senior career with Queens Park Rangers in 2016. His breakthrough came in the 2019–20 season, in which he scored 14 goals and was named the club's Player of the Year. He was subsequently signed by Crystal Palace for £17 million; he has since gone on to make over 150 appearances for the club, as well as scoring the only goal in the 2025 FA Cup final to win the club's first ever major trophy.
A former England youth international, Eze made his senior debut in 2023, and later represented his country at UEFA Euro 2024.
Early life
Eberechi Oluchi Eze{{Cite web |title=Premier League clubs publish 2023/24 retained lists |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4030168 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}} was born on 29 June 1998 in Greenwich, Greater London,{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Ben |date=2018-11-14 |title=Eberechi Eze: the young playmaker with the X factor at QPR |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2018/nov/14/eberechi-eze-qpr-championship-football-league-blog |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} to Igbo Nigerian parents.{{Cite web |last=Olley |first=James |date=2023-06-13 |title=Eze: No regrets playing for England over Nigeria |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37847046/eberechi-eze-no-regrets-playing-england-nigeria |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Growing up, he reflected on his life, saying: "There are the nice parts [of Greenwich] and the not so nice parts. I grew up in a not so nice part. It wasn't the easiest life and you don't have as much as other kids around you. The first place we'd go after school is to the cage. We'd stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night. There wasn't really anything else to do. But that's where the love comes from. [At the time], you don't realise it's actually how you're learning your trade."{{Cite web |last=Kershaw |first=Tom |date=2020-01-09 |title=Eberechi Eze: 'I always dreamt of being here. There was no other option' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/qpr-eberechi-eze-interview-profile-championship-transfer-efl-a9276126.html |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=The Independent |language=en}} Eze then met Bright Osayi-Samuel, his teammate during his time at Queens Park Rangers, at secondary school and played football together at the same district team.{{cite news |title='He's like a brother to me' – QPR's Eberechi Eze opens up on relationship with Osayi-Samuel |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/qpr-eberechi-eze-opens-up-on-relationship-with-osayi-samuel/vj7an01bohwu13fis6g5nglo0 |website=Goal |date=19 April 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
Eze started his football career at Arsenal before being released when he was thirteen and then went on to join Fulham and Reading.{{Cite web |last=Kemble |first=Jamie |date=2020-04-30 |title=Eberechi Eze opens up on being released by Arsenal and his journey back |url=https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/england-star-lifts-lid-being-18162592 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Football London |language=en}} Eze then appeared as a youth player at Millwall, where he signed a two-year scholarship with the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2014/august/fitz-so-proud-as-young-lion-eze-gets-england-call/ |title=Fitz so proud as young Lion Eze gets England call |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=20 August 2014|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902200849/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2014/august/fitz-so-proud-as-young-lion-eze-gets-england-call/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}} Eze quickly progressed through the under-18 and reserve teams.{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/october/report--millwall-u21s-1-0-colchester-united-u21s/ |title=Report: Millwall U21s 1–0 Colchester United U21s |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=27 October 2015|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902192952/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/october/report--millwall-u21s-1-0-colchester-united-u21s/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/september/millwall-u21s-team-news-v-hull-city-u21s/ |title=Millwall U21s team news v Hull City U21s |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=28 September 2015|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902200825/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/september/millwall-u21s-team-news-v-hull-city-u21s/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/october/justin-skinner-praises-outstanding-attitude-of-millwall-u21s/ |title=Justin Skinner praises 'outstanding' attitude of Millwall U21s |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=20 October 2015|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902194952/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/october/justin-skinner-praises-outstanding-attitude-of-millwall-u21s/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/march/lions-share-the-spoils-with-bees/ |title=Lions share the spoils with Bees |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=3 March 2015|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902195004/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/march/lions-share-the-spoils-with-bees/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/october/report--qpr-u21s-0-4-millwall-u21s/ |title=Report: QPR U21s 0–4 Millwall U21s |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=20 October 2015|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902201555/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2015/october/report--qpr-u21s-0-4-millwall-u21s/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}} It was announced in April 2016 that Eze would be leaving Millwall at the end of the 2015–16 season after not being offered a professional contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2016/april/fitzgerald-pays-tribute-to-departing-millwall-youngsters/ |title=Fitzgerald pays tribute to departing Millwall youngsters |publisher=Millwall F.C. |date=5 April 2016|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902201419/https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2016/april/fitzgerald-pays-tribute-to-departing-millwall-youngsters/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Sean |date=2019-04-27 |title=Ebere Eze EXCLUSIVE: QPR youngster on Millwall rejection, criticism from his own fans, Steve McClaren's sacking and much more |url=https://talksport.com/football/533565/ebere-eze-exclusive-qpr-millwall-rejection-criticism-fans-steve-mcclaren/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-gb}}
Club career
=Queens Park Rangers=
==2016–2018==
Following his release from Millwall, Eze continued studying in college before trialling successfully with Championship club Queens Park Rangers (QPR), impressing the club's technical director Chris Ramsey. Eze completed his signing for QPR on 3 August 2016.{{Cite web |url=http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/qpr-eberechi-eze-qpr-under-21s-3223231.aspx |title=Eberechi Eze joins QPR under-21s |date=3 August 2016 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104211325/http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/qpr-eberechi-eze-qpr-under-21s-3223231.aspx|archive-date=4 November 2016}} On 7 January 2017, Eze made his first-team debut in an FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers, featuring for 18 minutes before being injured and replaced by Yeni Ngbakoto.{{Cite web |title=Eberechi Eze {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} Crystal Palace {{!}} Season 2016/2017 {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=100391&season_id=149 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.soccerbase.com}} The game resulted in a 2–1 home defeat for QPR.{{Cite news |date=2017-01-06 |title=FA Cup: Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Blackburn Rovers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38474818 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} This was his only appearance of the 2016–17 season for the side. He then signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him until 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-signs-new-qpr-deal/ |title=Ebere Eze signs new QPR deal |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=6 January 2017|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713103750/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-signs-new-qpr-deal/|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}
On 30 August 2017, Eze joined League Two club Wycombe Wanderers on loan until January 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-joins-wycombe/ |title=Ebere Eze joins Wycombe Wanderers on loan |last=Morrissey |first=Paul |date=30 August 2017 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830135052/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-joins-wycombe/|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Meet Eberechi Eze Nigerian wonderkid playing for QPR |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/09/14/meet-eberechi-eze-nigerian-wonderkid-playing-for-qpr/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |language=en-US}} He made his Wycombe Wanderers debut, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Newport County on 9 September 2017.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-09 |title=Wycombe Wanderers held to a respectable 0-0 draw against in-form Newport County at Rodney Parade |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/15525790.wycombe-wanderers-held-to-a-respectable-0-0-draw-against-in-form-newport-county-at-rodney-parade/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Bucks Free Press |language=en}} After making his debut for the club, Eze quickly became a first team regular for the side, where he rotated in different midfield positions.{{cite news |title=Gareth Ainsworth praised his side's character after coming from behind to beat Crewe Alexandra 3–2 at Adams Park |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/15560181.gareth-ainsworth-praised-his-sides-character-after-coming-from-behind-to-beat-crewe-alexandra-3-2-at-adams-park/ |newspaper=Bucks Free Press |location=High Wycombe |date=27 September 2017|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=COMMENT: BFP sports reporter Nick Tunney looks back on sport in south Bucks this week |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/15636398.comment-bfp-sports-reporter-nick-tunney-looks-back-on-sport-in-south-bucks-this-week/ |newspaper=Bucks Free Press |location=High Wycombe |date=3 November 2017|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth hopes to keep QPR loanee Ebere Eze for the season after another wonderful display in a 2–1 win against Yeovil |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/15685686.wycombe-boss-gareth-ainsworth-hopes-to-keep-qpr-loanee-ebere-eze-for-the-season-after-another-wonderful-display-in-a-2-1-win-against-yeovil/ |newspaper=Bucks Free Press |location=High Wycombe |date=27 November 2017|access-date=4 September 2020}} Eze scored his first ever senior goal on 7 October 2017, netting a brace for Wycombe against Cambridge United.{{Cite web |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2017/october/match-report-for-cambridge-united-vs-wycombe-wanderers-on-07-oct-17/ |title=Report: Cambridge 1–3 Wycombe |date=7 October 2017 |publisher=Wycombe Wanderers F.C. |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006222124/https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/2017/october/match-report-for-cambridge-united-vs-wycombe-wanderers-on-07-oct-17/|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}} His goal against Cambridge United earned him a nomination for the League Two Goal of the Month award for October.{{cite web |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2017/november/eze-nominated-for-goal-of-the-month/ |title=Eze nominated for Goal of the Month |publisher=Wycombe Wanderers F.C. |date=10 November 2017|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902205206/https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/2017/november/eze-nominated-for-goal-of-the-month/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}} He made a total of 20 appearances and played a part in Wycombe gaining promotion that season.{{cite news |title=QPR playmaker Ebere Eze hails Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth and hopes Wycombe get promoted to League One |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/16134385.qpr-playmaker-ebere-eze-hails-wycombe-boss-gareth-ainsworth-hopes-wycombe-get-promoted-league-one/ |newspaper=Bucks Free Press |location=High Wycombe |date=3 April 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}} Eze scored a further four times in total for Wycombe, putting in some eye-catching performances before returning to QPR in January.{{cite news |title=Wycombe Wanderers 3–3 Cheltenham Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41703650 |website=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2017|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Wycombe Wanderers 4–0 Crawley Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41951746 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 November 2017|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Wycombe Wanderers 2–1 Yeovil Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42035275 |website=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2017|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2018/january/eze-returns-to-qpr/ |title=Eze returns to QPR |publisher=Wycombe Wanderers F.C. |date=2 January 2018|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902204802/https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/2018/january/eze-returns-to-qpr/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Phil |date=2018-01-02 |title=Ian Holloway says he plans to build QPR attack around Ebere Eze as he returns from Wycombe Wanderers loan spell |url=https://www.mylondon.news/sport/football/football-news/ian-holloway-says-plans-build-14102223 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=My London |language=en}}
After returning to QPR, Eze featured regularly for Ian Holloway's side, who planned on using him in the first team.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/season-a-great-learning-curve-for-eze/ |title=Season a great learning curve for Eze |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=9 May 2018|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902211340/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/season-a-great-learning-curve-for-eze/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite news |title=Nine QPR starlets who deserve a chance to impress before the end of the season; including a former Tottenham and West Brom trainee |url=https://www.mylondon.news/sport/football/football-news/nine-qpr-starlets-who-deserve-14306594 |publisher=My London News |date=18 February 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Ebere Eze says he's prospered by playing alongside ex-Leeds and Fulham man as he discusses adapting to the Championship |url=https://www.mylondon.news/sport/football/football-news/ebere-eze-qpr-matt-smith-14416687 |publisher=My London News |date=15 March 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Ebere Eze scout report: QPR prodigy oozes class with a complete display against Sunderland |url=https://www.mylondon.news/sport/football/football-news/qpr-ebere-eze-sunderland-millwall-14392999 |publisher=My London News |date=11 March 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Why one star believes that QPR now have a team that can 'really play' ahead of Aston Villa trip |url=https://www.mylondon.news/sport/football/football-news/luke-freeman-qpr-ebere-eze-14404971 |publisher=My London News |date=14 March 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}} His first appearance of the 2017–18 season came on 6 January 2018 against Milton Keynes Dons in the third round of the FA Cup, coming on as a 61st-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2017/qpr-v-milton-keynes-dons/ |title=Match Report: 0 Queens Park Rangers 1 MK Dons |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=6 January 2018|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902211335/https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2017/qpr-v-milton-keynes-dons/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}} By the end of the 2017–18 season, he had made 16 appearances, with his first goal for the club coming on 10 March 2018 against Sunderland, the only goal of the match.{{Cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2017/qpr-v-sunderland/ |title=Match Report: QPR 1, Sunderland 0 |date=10 March 2018 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |language=en|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006225250/https://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures/first-team/2017/qpr-v-sunderland/|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}}
==2018–2020==
Ahead of the 2018–19 season, Holloway left Queens Park Rangers as the previous season was concluded and his replacement, Steve McClaren handed Eze the number 10 shirt for the club.{{Cite web |last=Sport |first=West London |date=2018-07-25 |title=Eze given QPR's iconic number 10 shirt |url=https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-eze-given-qprs-iconic-number-10-shirt |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=West London Sport |language=en-GB}} A week later, he signed a new three-year contract with QPR, binding him to the club until June 2021.{{Cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-signs-three-year-deal |title=Ebere Eze signs three-year QPR deal |last=Morrissey |first=Paul |date=7 August 2018 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807114556/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-signs-three-year-deal/|archive-date=7 August 2018|url-status=live}} Eze started the season well when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Sheffield United on 11 August 2018.{{Cite news |date=2018-08-10 |title=Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Sheffield United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45066578 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Eze then scored two consecutive goals between 15 September 2018 and 19 September 2018 against Bolton Wanderers and his former club, Millwall.{{cite news |title=Bolton Wanderers 1–2 Queens Park Rangers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45456097 |website=BBC Sport |date=15 September 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Queens Park Rangers 2–0 Millwall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45492531 |website=BBC Sport |date=19 September 2018|access-date=4 September 2020}}
Since the start of the 2018–19 season, he continued to be a first team regular for the side, continuing to play in different midfield positions.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/features/turn-around-total-eclipse-of-the-rs/ |title=Turn Around: Total Eclipse of the R's |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=16 November 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904123927/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/features/turn-around-total-eclipse-of-the-rs/ |archive-date=4 September 2020 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-thanks-qpr-fans/ |title=Eze: The QPR fans give me the confidence to play |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=30 October 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417222615/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-thanks-qpr-fans/ |archive-date=17 April 2019 |url-status=live}}
{{cite news |title=Steve McClaren press conference: Every word from QPR boss on Ebere Eze, Tomer Hemed and Millwall |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/steve-mcclaren-press-conference-every-15175972 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=19 September 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Ebere Eze on how Steve McClaren has improved his game and why he's relishing being QPR's number 10 |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/ebere-eze-how-steve-mcclaren-15476906 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=28 November 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=The five QPR players who have kept Steve McClaren's side out of trouble this term |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/qpr-top-performers-ebere-eze-15282672 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=15 October 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020}} His performance was praised by McClaren, who said: "Eze has great talent but he did great work off the ball in terms of helping the team defend. We're asking him to do that and it's important that he does that in terms of his development."{{Cite web |last=McIntyre |first=David |date=2018-09-03 |title=Eze praised for displays on the wing |url=https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/mcclaren-happy-with-eze-on-the-wing |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=West London Sport |language=en-GB}} Eze then set up two goals in two matches between 20 October 2018 and 23 October 2018 against Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday.{{cite news |title=Ipswich Town 0–2 Queens Park Rangers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45846343 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Queens Park Rangers 3–0 Sheffield Wednesday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45871761 |website=BBC Sport |date=23 October 2018 |access-date=4 September 2020}} A month later on 24 November 2018 against Stoke City, he set up two goals for Àngel Rangel, in a 2–2 draw.{{Cite news |date=2018-11-23 |title=Stoke City 2-2 QPR: Angel Rangel double earns in-form Rangers a point |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46244071 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Eze's fourth goal then came on 1 January 2019, in a 2–2 draw against Aston Villa.{{Cite news |date=2018-12-31 |title=Aston Villa 2-2 QPR: Tammy Abraham double earns point for hosts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46677125 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} However towards the end of the 2018–19 season, Eze soon found himself placed at the substitute bench.{{cite news |title=The key reasons behind QPR's poor form in 2019 – and how they must address it |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/qpr-news-reasons-poor-form-15882857 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=25 February 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Lynch out; Toni Leistner and Ebere Eze to return – expected QPR side to face Bristol City |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/qpr-team-news-bristol-city-15818633 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=12 February 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Confirmed QPR team vs Nottingham Forest: Striker Lewis Walker handed full debut |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/confirmed-qpr-team-vs-nottingham-16189975 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=27 April 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Confirmed QPR team news to face Millwall as John Eustace recalls Toni Leistner with five changes |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/confirmed-qpr-team-news-face-16110919 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=10 April 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/there-will-be-no-tweaking-this-or-tweaking-that/ |title=McClaren: There will be no tweaking this or that! |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126075426/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/there-will-be-no-tweaking-this-or-tweaking-that/ |archive-date=26 January 2019 |url-status=live}} He played 46 games in the 2018–19 season, scoring four times in all competitions.
In the opening game of the 2019–20 season, Eze scored his first goal of the season, "sauntered through a static Stoke City defence to double Queen Park Rangers' lead after the interval", to win 2–1.{{Cite news |date=2019-08-02 |title=Stoke City 1-2 QPR: Jordan Hugill on target to give Mark Warburton winning start |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49135726 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Three weeks later on 24 August 2019, he scored his second goal of the season, as well as setting up the club's third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win against Wigan Athletic.{{Cite news |date=2019-08-23 |title=Queens Park Rangers 3-1 Wigan Athletic: Ebere Eze inspires R's comeback win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49378600 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Two weeks later on 11 September 2019, Eze scored his third goal of the season, as well as setting up Queen Park Rangers' third goal of the game, in a 3–2 win against Luton Town.{{Cite news |date=2019-09-13 |title=Queens Park Rangers 3-2 Luton Town: Rangers hold off fightback from Hatters |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49617721 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} After the match, he was named in the Team of the Week by the English Football League.{{cite web |date=16 September 2019 |title=R's star in EFL Team of the Week |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/r-s-star-in-efl-team-of-the-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226004302/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/r-s-star-in-efl-team-of-the-week/ |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.}} he was born in 1867 Since the start of the 2019–20 season, Eze retained his first team place for the side and played in different midfield positions under the new management of Mark Warburton.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-on-ignoring-distractions/ |title=Ebere Eze on ignoring distractions |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=24 February 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313065502/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-on-ignoring-distractions/|archive-date=13 March 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite news |title=Tottenham linked Ebere Eze shows glimpses of his quality to prove Millwall wrong in QPR win |url=https://www.football.london/queens-park-rangers-fc/tottenham-linked-ebere-eze-shows-16959984 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=21 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-we-finally-got-our-rewards/ |title=Eze: We finally got our rewards |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=7 October 2019|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904144256/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-we-finally-got-our-rewards/|archive-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/i-am-really-pleased-with-the-boys/ |title=I am really pleased with the boys |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=7 December 2019|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904153638/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/i-am-really-pleased-with-the-boys/|archive-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}} He then scored four more goals by the end of 2019, including two braces against Hull City and Preston North End.{{cite news |title=Queens Park Rangers 4–2 Blackburn Rovers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49861216 |website=BBC Sport |date=5 October 2019|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Hull City 2–3 Queens Park Rangers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50024116 |website=BBC Sport |date=19 October 2019|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Derby County 1–1 Queens Park Rangers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50526507 |website=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2019|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Queens Park Rangers 2–1 Preston North End |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50611048 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 December 2019|access-date=4 September 2020}} After the match Warburton praised his performance, saying: "Ebe is a tremendous talent. I want him to enjoy his football and he has got to understand how much hard work is required to maximise the talent that he has. He is a talented boy, is playing exceptionally well for us, scoring goals and I hope very much that he is playing with a smile on his face as well."{{cite news |title='Eze has no limits' – QPR boss Warburton raves about Nigerian wonderkid |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/eze-has-no-limits-qpr-boss-warburton-raves-about-nigerian/1s7or5mrhosbp1exuaww9xt3m7 |website=Goal |date=8 December 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
Eze scored his tenth goal of the season and set up two goals in a 6–1 win against Cardiff City on 1 January 2020.{{Cite news |date=2019-12-31 |title=Queens Park Rangers 6-1 Cardiff City: Nahki Wells sinks Bluebirds as QPR hit six |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50908494 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} He continued as a first-team regular, and by the time the season was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he had made 37 league appearances and scored twelve times.{{cite news |title=Queens Park Rangers 4–2 Stoke City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51423626 |website=BBC Sport |date=15 February 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Preston North End 1–3 Queens Park Rangers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51685141 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 March 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=At home with... QPR boss Mark Warburton |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11988339/at-home-with-qpr-boss-mark-warburton |website=Sky Sports |date=8 June 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Eberechi Eze speaks out on Dele Alli, his favourite position and his future amid Tottenham links |url=https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/eberechi-eze-tottenham-transfer-latest-18287865 |website=Football.London |publisher=Reach |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Championship Scout report: Eberechi Eze |url=https://medium.com/@marclamberts/championship-scout-report-eberechi-eze-1042ad073a20 |publisher=Medium |date=2 April 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}} Eze remained an integral part of the team once the season resumed behind closed doors.{{cite news |title=Eberechi Eze — A Championship talent that was on the rise to the Premier League |url=https://medium.com/@darylgouilard/eberechi-eze-a-championship-talent-that-was-on-the-rise-to-the-premier-league-f02c3672a90c |publisher=Medium |date=31 August 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Luton chief doesn't want a repeat showing from star QPR midfielder Eze |url=https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/luton-chief-doesnt-want-repeat-showing-star-qpr-midfielder-eze-2912722 |publisher=Luton Today |date=14 July 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=Eberechi Eze: Nigerian wonderkid shines despite QPR loss to Charlton Athletic |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/eberechi-eze-nigerian-wonderkid-shines-despite-qpr-loss-to/1ljiuz6eip51p1fyrx0ef1ypal |website=Goal |date=27 June 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020}} Eze then scored two more goals in the last remaining two matches of the 2019–20 season, coming against Millwall and West Bromwich Albion.{{cite news |title=Queens Park Rangers 4–3 Millwall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53371802 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 July 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite news |title=West Bromwich Albion 2–2 Queens Park Rangers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53412768 |website=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}} He scored 14 goals in 48 games across all competitions in the 2019–20 season, which saw him become one of England's most promising young attacking players.{{cite news |title=Ben White? Nathan Ferguson? Jarrod Bowen? Who is the best young player in the Championship? |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11889079/ben-white-nathan-ferguson-jarrod-bowen-who-is-the-best-young-player-in-the-championship |website=Sky Sports |date=18 December 2019 |access-date=4 September 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2020/june/sky-bet-championship-young-players-to-watch/ |title=Sky Bet Championship: Young players to watch |publisher=The Football League |date=10 June 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904143241/https://www.efl.com/news/2020/june/sky-bet-championship-young-players-to-watch/|archive-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite news |title=8 EFL players who could move to the Premier League this January |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/8-efl-football-league-championship-league-one-players-who-could-move-premier-league-january-man-utd-spurs-tottenham |publisher=Four Four Two |date=16 January 2020|access-date=4 September 2020}} Following this, Eze won the club's Sportito Supporters' Player of the Year.{{cite web |last=Jones |first=George |date=21 July 2020 |title=Ebere Eze named QPR Supporters' Player of the Year |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-named-qpr-supporters-player-of-the-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724123552/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-named-qpr-supporters-player-of-the-year/ |archive-date=24 July 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.}} He was also nominated for Championship PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans' Player of the Year for 2019–20 but lost out to Luke Ayling.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-short-listed-for-pfa-player-of-the-year-award/ |title=Ebere Eze short-listed for PFA Player of the Year award |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=18 August 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904144517/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ebere-eze-short-listed-for-pfa-player-of-the-year-award/|archive-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}} On 8 September 2020, Eze was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2019–20 EFL Championship.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54044861 |title=PFA Player of the Year: Kevin de Bruyne and Beth England named 2020 winners |date=8 September 2020|access-date=12 September 2020 |website=BBC Sport}}
=Crystal Palace=
==2020–2023==
Eze signed for Premier League club Crystal Palace on a five-year contract on 28 August 2020{{Cite news |date=2020-08-28 |title=Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace sign QPR forward in £19.5m deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53935833 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} for a transfer fee reportedly around £17 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/eberechi-eze-signs-five-year-deal-with-crystal-palace/ |title=Eberechi Eze signs five-year deal with Crystal Palace |publisher=Crystal Palace F.C. |date=28 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828133533/https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/eberechi-eze-signs-five-year-deal-with-crystal-palace/|archive-date=28 August 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Eze completes move to Palace from QPR |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1787882 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}} QPR had rejected a £12 million bid from Palace earlier in the month.{{cite news |title=Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace have bid in excess of £12m rejected by QPR |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11706/12041992/eberechi-eze-crystal-palace-have-bid-in-excess-of-12m-rejected-by-qpr |website=Sky Sports |date=4 August 2020 |access-date=4 September 2020}} He was given a number 25 shirt ahead of the new season.{{cite web |url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/crystal-palace-squad-numbers-revealed-for-202021---including-eze-ferguson-mitchell-and-benteke/ |title=Crystal Palace squad numbers confirmed for 20/21 – including Eze, Ferguson and Benteke |publisher=Crystal Palace F.C. |date=12 September 2020|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912200423/https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/crystal-palace-squad-numbers-revealed-for-202021---including-eze-ferguson-mitchell-and-benteke/|archive-date=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} On 12 September, he made his Palace debut, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute for Jeffrey Schlupp in a 1–0 win against Southampton in the opening game of the season.{{Cite news |date=2020-09-11 |title=Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton: Wilfried Zaha hits winner at Selhurst Park |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54038552 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Eze scored his first goal for Palace on 7 November from a free kick in a 4–1 home league win over Leeds United.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54758063 |title=Crystal Palace 4–1 Leeds United: Eberechi Eze registers first goal as Palace score four |website=BBC Sport |date=7 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}}
In May 2021, Eze was reported to have injured his Achilles tendon in a training session and was sidelined for several months.{{Cite news |date=2021-05-19 |title=Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace forward faces six months out with 'serious injury' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57179484 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Following the departure of Andros Townsend for Everton at the start of the 2021–22 Premier League season, he was given the number 10 shirt for Palace. He netted his only goal of the season on 30 April, levelling the match on the hour mark with a cushioned left-footed finish in a 2–1 away win against Southampton.{{Cite web |title=C Palace 2-1 Southampton (30 Apr, 2022) Game Analysis - ESPN (UK) |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/report/_/gameId/605694 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=ESPN |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Ben |date=2022-04-29 |title=Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace: Late Wilfried Zaha winner seals Eagles fightback |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61198624 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Eze scored his first goal of the 2022–23 season on 9 October 2022, weaving through tackles on the edge of the box before finishing with a low shot, which got Palace a 2–1 win against Leeds United.{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Gary |date=2022-10-07 |title=Crystal Palace 2-1 Leeds United: Eberechi Eze getting better and better, says Patrick Vieira |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63106174 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Quansah |first=Jarell |date=2025-03-12 |title=Yeu88 |url=https://yeu88.uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423181527/https://yeu88.uk/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=23 April 2025 |access-date=2025-04-01 |language=en}} He scored in his following home match on 18 October, heading in a cross by Michael Olise a minute into the second half, which levelled the game in an eventual 2–1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.{{Cite news |last=Beardmore |first=Michael |date=2022-10-17 |title=Crystal Palace 2-1 Wolves: Wilfried Zaha winner helps Eagles come from behind for victory |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63210236 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Eze entered a run of form following the reappointment of manager Roy Hodgson in March 2023, scoring six goals in 10 games (including braces against Southampton and AFC Bournemouth, finishing the season on double figures and as the club's top scorer of the season, having played in every game of Palace's Premier League campaign.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-31 |title=Eberechi Eze makes England squad for first time |url=https://onefootball.com/fr/news/eberechi-eze-makes-england-squad-for-first-time-37545245 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=OneFootball |language=fr}}
==2023–present==
On 10 November 2023, Eze extended his contract with Crystal Palace until 2027.{{Cite web |date=10 November 2023 |title=Ebere Eze signs new long-term Crystal Palace contract |url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/announcement/ebere-eze-new-long-term-crystal-palace-contract/ |publisher=Crystal Palace F.C. |access-date=10 November 2023}}{{Cite web |title=Crystal Palace confirm new contract for Eze |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3774551 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}} On 30 December, he scored in a 3–1 win against Brentford, helping end an eight-match winless run, and scored a brace in his next home game, a 3–2 win over Sheffield United on 30 January 2024.{{Cite news |last=Abraham |first=Timothy |date=2023-12-29 |title=Crystal Palace 3-1 Brentford: Michael Olise double eases pressure on Roy Hodgson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67809577 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last=Howell |first=Alex |date=2024-01-29 |title=Crystal Palace 3-2 Sheffield United: Eberechi Eze scores twice in victory over Blades |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68065091 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} He scored the winner in a 1–0 victory over Liverpool on 14 April; the win was Liverpool's first Anfield defeat in 28 games, and was Palace's first away win in 10.{{Cite news |last=Drury |first=Sam |date=2024-04-12 |title=Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace: Jurgen Klopp's side suffer blow to Premier League title hopes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68754388 |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In the final game of the season on 19 May, he scored a brace in a 5–0 thrashing of fourth-placed Aston Villa, becoming Crystal Palace's fourth-highest goalscorer in its Premier League history (after Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke and Luka Milivojević).{{Cite web |last=Oscroft |first=Tim |title=Mateta hat-trick helps Palace thrash Villa |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cl7l7ndx9v9t#Report |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-14 |title=Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace: Key stats |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/ckr599nje0xo |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Despite injury woes limiting Eze's appearances in the 2023–24 season, he set a new personal record at the club, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 31 matches in all competitions.{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/chelsea-join-race-to-sign-this-crystal-palace-star-what-will-he-bring-39563627 |title=Chelsea Join Race To Sign This Crystal Palace Star: What Will He Bring? |publisher=OneFootball |date=30 May 2024}} His partnership with Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta brought about the resurgence of Crystal Palace F.C. in the latter stages of the 23/24 Premier League season.
In the opening match of the 2024–25 season against Brentford, Eze seemed to have opened the scoring with a long-range free kick goal later described as "brilliant" and "superb", but it was controversially disallowed as referee Samuel Barrott had already blown his whistle for a perceived foul by Will Hughes; as play had stopped before the ball crossed the line, the video assistant referee was unable to intervene.{{Cite news |last=Millar |first=Colin |date=2024-08-20 |title=Explained: Why Eberechi Eze's disallowed Crystal Palace goal could not be overturned by VAR |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5707875/2024/08/18/eberechi-eze-disallowed-goal-var-why/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Brentford scored moments later, and went on to win the game 2–1.{{Cite web |last=Rindl |first=Joe |title=Brentford beat Crystal Palace after leaving out Ivan Toney |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c89wy5nk24yt |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} The decision was criticised by pundits, with Jamie Redknapp describing it as a "monumental error" and "a nightmare decision... I'm not sure it is a foul, he could have [blown his whistle] after," and Micah Richards classifying it as "not a foul" and "a mistake".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1ep6199l2eo |title=Referee told me he made mistake over goal – Eze |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2024}} Eze revealed in a post-match interview that Barrott had apologised to him for the error, stating that "it could have changed the game, but we have to deal with it." Eze scored his first goal of the season, a right-footed equaliser from outside of the box, in a 1–1 draw versus Chelsea on 1 September.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cx29xzw7y3nt |title=Chelsea 1–1 Crystal Palace: Eze stunner earns Eagles a draw |website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2024}}
On 26 April 2025, Eze opened the scoring for Crystal Palace with a long range effort from outside the box in a 3–0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final of the FA Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cwyn1103qrxt|title=Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final in spectacular style as Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr fired them to a fully deserved victory against Aston Villa at Wembley.|website=BBC|accessdate=30 April 2025}} The result booked Crystal Palace a spot in the 2025 FA Cup final, their third final in club history. This final occurred on 17 May 2025, where Eze scored the winning goal of the game in the 16th minute, when he performed a first-time volley to score from Daniel Muñoz's cross in from the right, leading to Crystal Palace beating Manchester City 1–0, winning Palace's first ever major trophy.{{cite news |title=Football: Kamada helps Palace claim 1st major trophy with FA Cup win |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05/5d18a79d3d7f-football-kamada-helps-palace-claim-1st-major-trophy-with-fa-cup-win.html |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=Kyodo News |date=18 May 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250518111635/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05/5d18a79d3d7f-football-kamada-helps-palace-claim-1st-major-trophy-with-fa-cup-win.html |archive-date=18 May 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Herman |first1=Martyn |title=Crystal Palace's Eze seals historic FA Cup final win against Man City |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/crystal-palaces-eze-seals-historic-fa-cup-final-win-against-man-city-2025-05-17/ |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=Reuters |date=18 May 2025 |archive-date=18 May 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250518114604/https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/crystal-palaces-eze-seals-historic-fa-cup-final-win-against-man-city-2025-05-17/ |last2=Cawthorne |first2=Andrew}}
International career
=Youth=
Because Eze is of Nigerian descent,{{cite news |last=Fisher |first=Ben |date=14 November 2018 |title=Eberechi Eze: the young playmaker with the X factor at QPR |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2018/nov/14/eberechi-eze-qpr-championship-football-league-blog |access-date=12 September 2024 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21571 |title=Eberechi Eze close to joining Queens Park Rangers first team |last=Emmanuel |first=Ifeanyi |date=31 December 2016 |website=All Nigeria Soccer |access-date=30 June 2019}} he has trained with the Nigeria national team.{{Cite web |url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24808 |title=Super Eagles target Eberechi Eze turning heads in Wycombe |last=Kingsley |first=Igho |date=28 September 2017 |website=All Nigeria Soccer |access-date=30 June 2019}} On 5 October 2018, he was called up to the England national under-20 team,{{Cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-gets-england-call/ |title=Eberechi Eze gets England U20 call-up |last=Morrissey |first=Paul |date=5 October 2018 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904122430/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-gets-england-call/|archive-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}} and made his debut on 11 October 2018 in a 2–1 win against Italy in the 2018–19 Under 20 Elite League.{{Cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-provides-assist-on-england-u20-debut/ |title=Eze provides assist on England U20 debut |last=Scriven |first=David |date=11 October 2018 |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C.|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012010921/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/eze-provides-assist-on-england-u20-debut/|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}} He went on to make six appearances for the under-20 side.{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU20.html |title=Match Results Under 20: 1981–2019 |website=England Football Online |date=12 September 2024 |access-date=12 September 2024}}
{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU21pg4.html |title=Match Results Under 21: 2010–20 |website=England Football Online |date=1 September 2024 |access-date=12 September 2024}}
In 2019, Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick met with Eze in an attempt to persuade him to switch his allegiance to Nigeria.{{cite news |title=Nigeria FA demands less pressure on Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/nigeria-nga/story/4297802/nigeria-fa-demands-less-pressure-on-crystal-palace-winger-eberechi-eze}} Eze said that he was undecided on who to represent, but Pinnick stated: "It appears to me that he would want to play for Nigeria, but again, there is a lot of pressure on these players who play in England". Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr later stated in January 2021 that he contacts Eze on a weekly basis.
On 3 September 2019, Eze was called up to the England under-21 squad by manager Aidy Boothroyd for the upcoming 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches against Turkey and Kosovo.{{Cite news |last=Collings |first=Simon |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/qpr-forward-eberechi-eze-west-ham-midfielder-grady-diangana-drafted-into-england-u21-squad-a4228111.html |title=QPR forward Eze and West Ham's Diangana drafted into England U21 squad |date=3 September 2019 |newspaper=Evening Standard |location=London |access-date=25 March 2020}} He was an unused substitute on both occasions.{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/international-rs-wells-bags-match-winning-double/ |title=International R's: Wells bags match-winning double |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=9 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910222154/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/international-rs-wells-bags-match-winning-double/|archive-date=10 September 2019|url-status=live}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/international-rs-masterson-scores-ireland-u21-winner/ |title=International R's: Masterson scores Ireland U21 winner |publisher=Queens Park Rangers F.C. |date=11 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904125016/https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/international-rs-masterson-scores-ireland-u21-winner/|archive-date=4 September 2020|url-status=live}} Eze eventually made his under-21 debut on 15 November as an 81st-minute substitute for Phil Foden during a 3–0 victory over Albania in 2021 European Under-21 Championship qualification.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2019/nov/15/england-mu21s-albania-report-151119 |title=GOALS FROM PHIL FODEN, CONOR GALLAGHER AND REISS NELSON SEE MU21S TO WIN IN ALBANIA |publisher=The Football Association |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=25 March 2020}}
In April and November 2020, Eze said he had yet to decide on whether to play for Nigeria or England at senior international level.{{cite news |title=Eberechi Eze On Nigeria Radar Ahead Of Premier League Transfer |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesnalton/2020/04/06/eberechi-eze-on-nigeria-radar-ahead-of-premier-league-transfer/?sh=3a5f73646c9d}}{{cite news |title=Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze says decision between England and Nigeria won't distract from progress |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-eberechi-eze-england-nigeria-decision-progress-b65531.html}}
Eze was selected for the group stage of the 2021 European Under-21 Championship{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56400395 |title=Uefa U21 Euros squad |website=BBC Sport |date=15 March 2021 |access-date=5 April 2021}} and scored his only goal at under-21 level in their final game against Croatia.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56583091 |title=Croatia U21 1–2 England U21 |website=BBC Sport |date=31 March 2021 |access-date=5 April 2021}}
=Senior=
In May 2021, Eze was called up to the senior England squad for the first time, as part of Gareth Southgate's 33-man provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2020, but on the same day was injured during a training session.{{cite news |date=26 May 2021 |title=Eberechi Eze was sent notice of first England call-up before achilles injury |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/may/26/eberechi-eze-sent-notice-of-first-england-call-up-before-achilles-injury-crystal-palace |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=8 July 2021}}
In May 2023, Southgate again called Eze up to the England squad.{{cite news |last1=Peach |first1=Simon |title=Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze receives first England call-up |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/crystal-palace-s-eberechi-eze-receives-first-england-call-up/ar-AA1bCSbQ |access-date=24 May 2023 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=24 May 2023}} He made his senior debut on 16 June, appearing as a 70th-minute substitute for James Maddison in a 4–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying win against Malta.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65852136 |title=Malta 0–4 England |website=BBC Sport |date=16 June 2023|access-date=17 June 2023}} This appearance meant he could no longer represent Nigeria after this point.{{cite news |url=https://soccernet.ng/2023/05/eberechi-eze-super-eagles-target-named-in-england-squad-for-euro-qualifiers.html |title=Eberechi Eze: Super Eagles target named in England squad for Euro qualifiers |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=Soccernet.ng |date=May 2023}}{{cite news |title=Nigeria finally lose Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze to England |url=https://guardian.ng/sport/nigeria-finally-lose-crystal-palaces-eberechi-eze-to-england/ |newspaper=The Guardian |location=Lagos |date=25 May 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023}}
On 3 June 2024, in a pre-UEFA Euro 2024 friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eze made his first start for England, playing 63 minutes before being substituted for Jack Grealish.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5535218/2024/06/03/england-bosnia-and-herzegovina-result-analysis/ |title=England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Result and Analysis |newspaper=The New York Times |date=3 June 2024 |access-date=1 July 2024}} He was named in England's 26-man squad for the tournament on 6 June.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cv22menk7dno |title=Eze & Wharton named in England squad for Euro 2024 |website=BBC Sport |date=6 June 2024 |access-date=6 June 2024}} On 20 June, he made his European Championship debut, coming on in the 69th minute of England's 1–1 draw against Denmark at Waldstadion in Frankfurt.{{cite news |url=https://www.foxsports.com/live-blog/soccer/denmark-vs-england-live-updates-score-top-moments-from-euro-2024 |title=Euro 2024 highlights: England draws 1–1 with underdog Denmark |website=Fox Sports |date=20 June 2024 |access-date=20 June 2024}} He appeared as an 84th-minute substitute for Kobbie Mainoo in the round of 16 match against Slovakia in 30 June; in the first minute of extra time, he played a pass to Ivan Toney, who crossed the ball into the box for Harry Kane's winner. His third appearance of the tournament came in the 78th minute of England's quarter-final match against Switzerland, which England won 5–3 on penalties.
On 24 March 2025, Eze scored his first international goal in a 3–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Latvia at Wembley Stadium. This made him the second ever Crystal Palace player to score for England.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
Personal life
Eze is a Christian.{{cite news |last1=de Roché |first1=Art |last2=Froston |first2=Nancy |title=Black British Christians: How faith and football mix for Premier League elite |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4909191/2023/10/01/saka-rashford-sterling-religion-christian/ |access-date=3 January 2024}} He is a cousin of American comedian Ego Nwodim, a cast member on Saturday Night Live.{{cite web |title=Ebs chats SNL and Olise link-up |url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/video/ebs-chats-snl-and-olise-link-up/2023-04-09/ |publisher=Crystal Palace F.C. |date=9 April 2023 |access-date=18 February 2024}}
Eze is a keen chess player, having been taught the game by former Crystal Palace teammate Michael Olise; the two were frequently seen on Palace's social media channels playing against each other at the club's training ground.{{cite web|url=http://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c24q01vye5vo|title='He can do it all' - Palace's Eze wins chess tournament|website=BBC Sport|date=3 May 2025}} On 3 May 2025, he won PogChamps 6, an online amateur chess tournament organized by Chess.com, defeating gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and YouTuber Sapnap along the way and earning a prize of $20,000.{{Cite web |last=Pinhata (PedroPinhata) |first=Pedro |date=2025-05-02 |title=Upsets, Blunders, And Brilliances Mark Last Day Of PogChamps 6, Ebere Crowned Champion |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/pogchamps-6-day-4 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 25 May 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|EFL Cup !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="5"|Queens Park Rangers
|2016–17{{soccerbase season|100391|2016|access-date=30 June 2019}} |0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2017–18{{soccerbase season|100391|2017|access-date=30 June 2019}}
|Championship |16 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 2 | |||
| 2018–19{{soccerbase season|100391|2018|access-date=30 June 2019}}
|Championship |42 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 46 | 4 | |||
| 2019–20{{soccerbase season|100391|2019|access-date=12 September 2024}}
|Championship |46 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 48 | 14 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!104||20||6||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||112||20 | ||||||||||||
| Wycombe Wanderers (loan)
|20 | 5 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|Appearances in EFL Trophy}} | 0 | 22 | 5 | ||||
| rowspan="7"|Crystal Palace
|2020–21{{soccerbase season|100391|2020|access-date=12 September 2024}} |34 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 36 | 4 | |||
| 2021–22{{soccerbase season|100391|2021|access-date=12 September 2024}}
|Premier League |13 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 1 | |||
| 2022–23{{soccerbase season|100391|2022|access-date=12 September 2024}}
|Premier League |38 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 40 | 10 | |||
| 2023–24{{soccerbase season|100391|2023|access-date=12 September 2024}}
|Premier League |27 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 31 | 11 | |||
| 2024–25{{soccerbase season|100391|2024|access-date=26 April 2025}}
|Premier League |34 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 43 | 14 | |||
| 2025–26{{soccerbase season|100391|2025|access-date=24 June 2025}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!146||34||13||4||8||0||0||0||2||0||166||39 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!269||59||20||4||10||2||0||0||2||0||300||64 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 7 June 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/eberechi-eze/4/ |title=Eberechi Eze: Internationals |website=worldfootball.net |date=11 January 2021 |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=10 September 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3"|England
|2023 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 2 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 11 | 1 |
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Eberechi Eze | ||||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Cap !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition !scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="text-align: center;"|1 | 24 March 2025 | Wembley Stadium, London, England | style="text-align: center;"|10 | {{fb|LAT}} | style="text-align: center;"|3–0 | style="text-align: center;"|3–0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | style="text-align: center;"|{{cite web|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/24/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/england/latvia/4571404/|title=England vs. Latvia 3–0: Summary|website=Soccerway|publisher=Perform Group|access-date=24 March 2025}} |
Honours
Crystal Palace
- FA Cup: 2024–25{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cm23zrkn7ryt#Line-ups |title=Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City: Line-ups |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2025 |access-date=17 May 2025}}
England
- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2024{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cp68zzx8x4rt |title=Spain 2–1 England: Heartbreak for England in Euro 2024 Final |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2024 |access-date=15 July 2024 |archive-date=15 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715010859/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cp68zzx8x4rt |url-status=live}}
Individual
- PFA Team of the Year: 2019–20 Championship{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/jordan-henderson-among-five-liverpool-183100275.html |title=Jordan Henderson among five Liverpool players in PFA team of the year |website=Yahoo! Sport |date=8 September 2020 |access-date=15 January 2023}}
- Queens Park Rangers Player of the Year: 2019–20
- Queens Park Rangers Players' Player of the Year: 2019–20
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://www.cpfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/midfielder/eberechi-eze/ Profile] at the Crystal Palace F.C. website
- [https://www.englandfootball.com/england/mens-senior-team/squad/Eberechi-Eze Profile] at the Football Association website
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Crystal Palace F.C. squad}}
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{2019–20 EFL Championship PFA Team of the Year}}
{{Queens Park Rangers F.C. Player of the Year}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eze, Eberechi}}
Category:People from Greenwich
Category:Footballers from the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players
Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Crystal Palace F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:England men's under-21 international footballers
Category:England men's international footballers
Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players
Category:Black British sportsmen
Category:21st-century Black British people
Category:English people of Nigerian descent
Category:Sportspeople of Nigerian descent